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' A SILVER BRA/ND. 


By CHARLES T. MANNERS. 



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THE COUNTY FAIR. 


By NEIL BURGESS. 




Written from the celebrated play no\y 
rnnning its second continuous season in 
New York, and booked to run a C^hird sea- 
son in the same theater. 

The scenes are among the New Hamp- 
shire hills, and picture the bright side of 
country life. The story is full of amusing 
events and happy incidents, something 
after the style of our “Old Homestead,” 
which is having such an enormous sale. 

<< THE COUNTY FAIR” will be one 
of the great hits of the season, and should 
you fail to secure a copy you will miss a 
P'} literary treat. It is a spirited romance of 
town and country, and a faithful repro- 
duction of the drama, with the same unique 
characters, the same graphic scenes, but 
with the narrative more artistically rounded, and completed than was 
possible in the brief limits of a dramatic representation. This touch- 
ing story effectively demonstrates that it is possible to produce a novel 
which is at once wholesome and interesting in every part, without the 
introduction of an impure thought or suggestion. Read the following 



OPINIONS OF THE PRESS: 

Mr. Neil Burgess has rewritten his play, “The County Fair,” in story form. It 
rounds out a narrative which is comparatively but sketched in the play. It only needs 
the first sentence to set going the memory and imagination of those who have seen the 
latter and whet the appetite for the rest of this lively conception of a live di'amatist.— 
Brooklyn Daily Eagle. 

As “The County Fair” threatens to remain in New York for a long time the general 
public out of town may be glad to learn that the playwright has put the piece into print 
in the form of a story. A tale based upon a play may sometimes lack certain literary 
qualities, but it never is the sort of thing over which any one can fall asleep. For- 
tunately, “The County Fair” on the stage and in print is by the same author, so there 
can be no reason for fearing that the book misses any of the points of the drama which 
has been so successful — Y. Herald. 

The idea of turning successful plays into novels seems to be getting popular. The 
latest book of this dascription is a story reproducing the action and incidents of Neil 
Burgess’ play, “The County Fair.” The tale, which is a romance based on scenes of 
home life and domestic joys and sorrows, follows closely the hnes of the drama in 
story and -plot.— Chicago Bauy News. 

Mr. Burgess’ amusing play, “The County Fair.” has been received with such favor 
that he has worked it over and expanded it into a novel of more than 200 pages. It will 
be en jewed even by those who have never heard the play and stiU more by those who 
h&ye.— Cincinnati l imes-Star. 


This touching story effectively demonstrates that it is possible to produce a novel 
which is at once wholesome and interesting in every part, without the introduction of 
an impure thought or suggestion.— .4 Ibany Press. 

Street & Smith have issued “The County Fair.” This is a faithful reproduction of 
the drama of that name and is an affecting and vivid story of domestic life, joy and 
sorrow, and rural scenes.— S'an Francisco Call. 

This romance is written from the play of this name and is full of touching incidents. 
■~-Eoamville Jout'nal. 

It is founded on the popular play of the same name, in which Neil Burgess, who is 
also the author of the story, has achieved the dramatic success of the season.— F’aZi 
River Herald. 


Tla-o Oo-U-ixty is No. 33 of “Th* Select Series,” for 

sale by all Newsdealers, or will be sent, on receipt of price, 25 cents, to any 
address, postpaid, by STREET & SiUlTU, Publishers, 25-31 Bose st., New York, 


THE SELECT SERIES 


A WEEKLY PUBLICATION. 

Uevoted to GS-ood R-eading in -A.xnerican Fiction* 

8DBSCRIPTI0N Price, $13.00 Per Year. No. 69.— NOVEMBER 26, 1890. 
CopyHghted, 1890, by Street & Smith. 

Entered at the Post- Offi^ce, New York, as Second-Class Matter. 


A SILVER BRAND; 


OR, 


The Secrets of Schwarzenberg. 


BY 



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AUTHOR OF 




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A SILVER BRAND 


CHAPTER I. 

‘‘I WILL NOT DESPAIR.” 

The broad Bavarian sunshine fell warmly upon a 
woman wandering slowly amid tiny beds of blos- 
soming plants. Now she stooped close to some fra- 
grant heart in the midst of a dainty crown of petals, 
and handled it with tender and loving fingers, as 
though almost she believed an answering soul lin- 
gered there, and anon she carefully removed an in- 
sect, or dead leaf, or atom of earth from the thrifty 
branches of the shrubs about her. But oftenest she 
stopped abruptly, and folding her arms, lifted up 
her pale, sad face to the smiling sky, asking mutely, 
it would seem, for some miraculous visitation. 

The garden was peculiar, as its mistress was 
striking in appearance. Not an ordinary flower- 
bed, lotted off from a, verdant lawn, or sloping 
bank, or broad field, but a garden up in mid-air, on 
the top of a high and solitary building, to whose 
flat roof soil had been transported, and plants set 
out. A strong iron railing, higher than the tallest 
person’s head walled about this novel garden, over 
whose wicker-work vines were trailing in rich, lux- 
uriant masses. A tiny fountain played in the center 
bed, and near by a little arbor, thickly screened by 
climbing roses, held its inviting rustic seat. At the 


6 


A SlZV^Ji BBAND. 


eastern side was a door, swinging open like a trap, 
which revealed a flight of stairs leading into the 
building below. The landscape without had few 
attractions. The building was set in a hollow, and 
all around were dense woods, rising gradually with 
the land, and shutting off with their dark, somber 
foliage all hints of any life beyond. N£>t another 
roof, no sign of human Vicinity was observable. 

The lady — that she was not of low or plebeian 
blood was betrayed by every look and gesture — 
never gave a single glance off to the surrounding 
dreary country. When her attention left the flow- 
ers, it was turned upward to the broad blue, as if 
seeking to pierce through the ether to the unknown 
sphere above. Therefore she was not aware when, 
through a narrow road, cleared in a zig-zag line 
through the forest, came cantering a party of three 
horsemen, until the noise of hooffalls was near 
enough to reach her ears, and then the high v^ne- 
twined fencing hid them from her view. She turnM 
her head and listened, until there came a confused 
murmur of voices and then the clang of some heavy 
gate shutting after them, as the horsemen rode into 
the court-yard. Then a singular look, blending un- 
utterable anguish and fierce determination, swept 
across her eyes; those large brilliant orbs, of such 
rare and matchless blue, that they had made beauti- 
ful a face even of unlovely features. But hers 
were symmetrical and delicate, and though it was 
evident that she was long past the bloom of youth, 
and had been scathed by some heavy sorrow, she 
was still a beautiful and rarely graceful woman. 

After some little time, she heard a slow and heavy 
step upon the stairs. At the sound of the first foot- 
fall, the lady bent down, and began plucking the 
half -opened roses on the bush near her. 

“My lady,” called in German a stolid voice; “my 
lady, his royal highness is here. He summons you 
to an audience below.” 

The stately head rose more haughtily. 

“Why waste your breath idly, good Seippel? You 
know I will never answer such a summoiis.” 

A shock of sandy hair had by this time appeared 


A SIZF^Ji BBAm. 


7 


through the trap-door, and as it raised farther, the 
dull, perplexed peasant face of Seippel came to view. 

“ But, my lady, his royal highness bade me ” 

“You have done your duty. You have delivered 
the message. Go then, and say to the man below 
that I bade you reply for me, that I would not stir 
one inch from my track at command or entreaty of 
his.” 

Poor Seippel stood a moment fidgeting, twisting 
his fingers together nervously, and then, as she 
turned away and resumed her employment, he 
made good his retreat. 

She dropped her hand from the fiowers the mo- 
ment she was sure of his departure, and pressed it 
hard and fierce against her heart, and stood thus, 
never stirring so much as to lift the long, golden- 
fringed eyelash, until the creaking stairs betrayed 
another and still heavier tread. Then she bent 
down again, and seemed absorbed in the roses. 

The new-comer’s face was fiushed, his eye angry, 
when he appeared upon the scene. It was a man, 
richly clad, with a glittering order on his breast, 
which was revealed by the open traveling-cape 
thrown half aside in the hasty entrance, but his 
countenance was sensual, brutal, and vindictive. 
He spoke in a coarse, guttural voice. 

“ And so you still preserve your willfulness, my 
lady? One would think the long years might teach 
you the folly of such behavior. By Heaven ! such 
an insolent message from any other should have 
received prompt punishment upon the spot. I have 
a mind yet to begin with you as I would with a 
rebellious slave, and try what the lash can do.” 

She never cast so much as a look toward hini, but 
went on gathering roses, taking apparent pains to 
select the freshest and finest, and to place them in 
becoming position in the bouquet. How wondrous- 
ly graceful she looked, how fair and charming, 
for all the silver sprinkling in the golden brown 
hair !— ’the signs of weary years and wasting sor- 
rows. How wondrously noble and dignified ! 

The royal villain gnashed his teeth with rage as 
he looked. 


8 


A SIZV£B BHAKJ). 


“Minion!” he exclaimed, wrathfully, “you hold 
out your pride and your obstinacy well. But I have 
not tried half my powers of torment yet. I came to 
tell you news.” 

Had the gentle zephyrs alone disturbed the peace- 
ful silence there, she had not looked more uncon- 
scious or indifferent, gently breaking the stem of 
another flower. 

He muttered a fierce oath and strode forward, 
and laid a rude hand upon her shoulder. 

“ Minion, I command you to listen ! I say I came 
to bring you momentous tidings.” 

She shook off the touch with such a look as she 
might have given at the vicinity of the most loath- 
some reptile, and sprang to the other side of the 
walk, facing him at last with her deadly white face 
and those blazing blue eyes. 

He laughed jeeringlyc 

“ So you are aware of yOur master’s presence at 
last? Poor fool! will you never learn how you 
might be happy?” 

“ Happy!” 

There was a world of bitterness and horror in the 
tone. 

“Yes, happy — resigned to inexorable circum- 
stances, willing to take what brightness and pleas- 
ure I offer you,” he continued, softening his tone 
and endeavoring to assume a persuasive mildness. 
“ Come, foolish one ! put off this hard resentment — 
avert, while it is possible, the terrible fate which 
you know lies in my hands for you. You must ac- 
knowledge my power. You see how hopeless must 
be your most plausible expectation of escape. You 
have tried it and failed a dozen times in these long 
fifteen years that you have lived alone in this dreary 
prison. How is it possible for you to hold out so 
long? It is as wonderful as that my passion has 
also endured, even though you have changed into a 
faded and worn, though I swear it, still charmingly 
lovely woman. My lady Pauline, listen to reason. 
Answer me kindly, and I forswear the revenge that 
nothing but your yielding can balk me of.” 

He took another step toward her, extending a 


A SIZVJ^B JBBAJW. 


9 


white hand, on which glittered a massive seal ring 
bearing the arms of the royal line. 

A smile of ineffable scorn flashed across her 
marble white face. 

“Man, do you think constancy is impossible? I 
tell you, though you keep me here thrice tifteen 
years longer, I shall still despise, and abhor, and 
defy you !” 

“bo you dare me thus boldly?” he demanded, 
fiercely. “ I marvel at my own patience. Here you 
are completely at my mercy, and I neither scourge 
nor kill you. Ah, well, it is because I hold the win- 
ning card that has not yet been brought forward, 
and I can afford to laugh at your idle passion and 
your obstinate coldness. I have been too lenient 
hitherto, but yet I confess it was not without 
motive. I was afraid your mind would give way, 
and thus cheat me of the most exquisite zest of my 
long-plotted revenge. I left you to your sweet will 
in the garden here. I see that you have enjoyed it. 
It would be a poor punishment for me to give you 
stinging blows, for the smart would heal quickly, 
I know a better way.” 

He laughed again in that horrible, sardonic fash- 
ion, and glanced meaningly around the lovely beds 
blooming so charmingly with flowers of every hue. 

“ I have brought a few American letters for your 
entertainment,” he continued. “You were wont to 
be of an inquiring mind, I believe. I have no doubt 
you will And them of interest. And here is a pict- 
ure. See, is it not a sweet young face? V faith, it 
costs me a pang to yield so fair a flower to one of 
my courtiers. But to carry out my long-cherished 
plan I must deny myself some delights. Sebastian 
Schrodter will be the gainer.” 

The stately head never turned in his direction. 
The dazzling, blue eyes were on the scarcely as blue 
heavens. 

“It is a pity you cannot close your ears also, my 
lady,” scoffed he. “But you hear, and every word 
cuts home, though your proud heart will not betray 
it. But do not think your powers of defiance are 
quite invulnerable. I have spared you hitherto be- 


10 


A SILVER BRAND. 


cause I wanted you to come to this hour fresh and 
strong, capable of enduring an agony which weak- 
ness is fortunate to faint under. I am only begin- 
ning my torments; before they are half expended, 
you will bend the knee in supplication ; you will 
yield graciously to my solicitations ; you will 
accept my friendship ; you will confess where you 
have hidden those important^papers.” 

“Never!” burst forth from her, passionately; 
“never, pitiable tyrant. lam beyond your power 
even now. You may imprison me— what care I, 
since there is no charm left in all the earth to 
which I can respond? You may torture me — I can 
bear it, unless it goes too far ; then that will be the 
happiest release of all, for I can die, and join my 
beloved in heaven.” 

“ W ait until you know what trial will come to 
you, madam, before you are too confident. I tell 
you that you will yield "even the papers, or the 
knowledge of their hiding-place. Why, indeed, 
should you not? What possible use are they to you, 
shut up here for life.” 

“ Sometime they will clear my husband’s honor- 
able name, and prove your villainy. I would die a 
dozen deaths by torture rather than yield them up 
to you.” 

He gazed upon the undaunted face with a malig- 
nant fury. 

“Poor fool! read the letters, and see what bless- 
ing you are forfeiting by this obstinacy.” 

He tossed a package of letters to her feet. She 
glanced at them disdainfully, but made no effort to 
raise them. 

He only laughed as he turned. 

“I can afford to try a new plan,” he sneered. 

And, proceeding to the head of the stairs, he blew 
a blast upon a golden whistle hanging from a mas- 
sive chain across his breast. 

Seippel came promptly, and bent lo\^ in reverence. 

“Ho, there! bring hoes and shovels, and such im- 
plements as you need to root up these foolish plants. 
I have a fancy to be amused with watching the 


A SILVER BRAND, 


ii 

rubbish cleared away. In an hour I must not see a 
root or flower here.” 

Seippel glanced around at the lovely eden, and 
even his stolid face blanched. 

“ Go to ! the reward for diligent labor lessens with 
Werv hour you linger,” said t& master, impatiently, 
and after a glance at the face which still held its 
icy mask, he sat down again, and hummed softly to 
himself a gay roundelay. 

She stood as if rooted to the spot, the package of 
letters at her feet. In a few moments more the 
men were heard reascending the stairs, laden with 
their heavy implements. 

“This first,” said the prince, rubbing his white 
hands as if in enjoyment of some excellent jest. 

And he marched up to a tall wooden cruciflx, 
around which a magniflcent passion-flower had 
been carefully taught to twine its luxuriant growth, 
and at whose base a marble slab made a sort of 
altar, on which lay an exquisitely arranged wreath 
and star of choicest blossoms. 

By dint of stout efforts the cruciflx was dislodged, 
the slab tumbled off, the vase containing the vine 
overturned. 

“Heave them over the fence,” commanded the 
master. 

The next instant it was done, and they heard the 
heavy thud and the crash on the rocks below. 

The lady’s delicately out nostril dilated a trifle 
wider, if it were possible, her complexion grew a 
little ghastlier white, but the proud lip kepr its de- 
fiant, contemptuous curl, and those wonderful eyes 
blazed luminously and fearlessly. 

“And now uproot these paltry weeds.” 

And the hand where blazed the potent signet ring 
waved carelessly to an oval, in which blossomed 
shrubs that could only have come to such perfec- 
tion through years of patient and loving care. 

She had set them out ; she had watched every leaf 
that added vigor to the tender shoot; she had 
nursed them and tended them from dewy morning 
till gathering eve, through weary years, whose days 
had dragged like weeks and whose hours like days. 


12 


A SIZV^B 


They had been friends, companions, sweetest conso- 
lation, the one oasis in the monotonous desert of her 
life. But she stood, motionless and erect, and saw 
them ruthlessly torn away, and flung over the rail- 
ing in a ruined heap below without so much as a 
quiver of the lip or the fluttering of an eyelid. For 
she knew the watchful eye was near that would 
gloat over every sign of anguish. 

When the work of destruction was completed the 
prince rose from his seat and looked around with a 
smile of satisfaction upon the wretched devastation. 

What a pitiable sight it was. More forlorn even 
than seemed possible for vandal hands to accom- 
plish. 

Still erect and motionless, like a statue of fate, 
stood the mistress who had loved and patiently 
gathered together that lost loveliness. At her feet 
were scattered fragments of pottery, crushed leaves 
and little rifts of earth, and the package of letters 
still lay there also. 

Slowly the tyrant prince advanced toward her. 

“My lady, I wish you joy of your bower. I trust 
it will sweeten your disposition to remember that 
had you received me even respectfully it had re- 
mained unscathed. I leave the letters. I know you 
will read them, because I tell you now they will 
prove to you a cheat I have played upon you these 
fifteen years back. You will learn by them that 
one of your beloved ones still lives, in my power. 
You will look at the picture next time I come. I’ll 
make my wager of that. I bid you adieu, fair Lady 
Pauline.” 

He swept her a mocking bow, doffing his hat, and 
then descended the stairs slowly. Seippel, casting 
a compassionate look behind him, followed also. 
His companion had previously withdrawn bearing 
away the implements used in the cruel work. 

The lady was alone at last, alone in her despoiled 
and ruined eden. She gave one shuddering glance 
around, drew one long, shivering breath, and stag- 
gered against the railing for support. There she 
clung, silent and motionless, until the faintness had 


A SILVER BRAND, 


13 


passed. When she could walk steadily she made 
her way to the chair and sat down. 

The ringing footfalls of the impatient horses an- 
nounced to her the royal departure, something like 
an hour after. She turned her eye slowly as they 
came out into view. Alas, the graceful, leafy 
curtain no longer obstructed her view. She sat 
erect, rigid and haughty, until the horsemen were 
entirely lost to view. And then, catching one long, 
sobbing breath, she sprang up and ran like a de- 
mented creature from one despoiled nook to an- 
other, wringing her hands and weeping bitterly. 

“ Oh, I loved them — I loved them. They kept me 
innocent company and beguiled my thoughts from 
my maddening wrongs, my cruel imprisonment. 
Woe is me — if I could only die!” she moaned. 

In parsing hastily from one point to another her 
feet touched the packet he had left. 

She stood looking down upon it, with something 
of the same loathing and defiant expression which 
she gave to him who had left it there. 

Then some sudden impulse made her stoop and 
raise it. 

“ Anything, no matter what, to divert my thoughts 
from this cruel blow,” she murmured, and sitting 
down untied the packet, and opened the letters. 

At the very first, the eyes deepened and widened, 
a low exclamation escaped her, and then she read 
on swiftly, with a feverish, absorbed desperation 
that scarcely allowed breath. When the last had 
fallen away from her icy fingers, she sprang up, 
and stretched up her hands to the sky. 

“Oh, Heaven, if you are not forever deaf to the 
cry of injured innocence, hear me now, help me ! 
help me ! I must escape ! I will escape, if I perish 
in the attempt ! Oh, help me ! help me 1” 

The wail was almost a shriek. She ran to the 
railing, and looked wildly down to the dizzy depth 
below. She fiew down the stairs, and passed swiftly 
through a suite of comfortably furnished rooms, 
and wrenched with her delicate hands at every 
solid iron bar that protected the windows. From 
thence she darted to a massive door, iron clamped, 


14 


A SILVER BRAND. 


trebly locked, and barred without, and beat in help- 
less, impotent rage against it. 

All vain and useless. As well might a child at- 
tempt to snap a sturdy oak. She went back slowly 
to the roof, the once blooming oasis, and looked 
around blankly. 

At length she fell upon her knees. 

“Not even the crucifix, nor the altar left,” she 
moaned ; “ but if Heaven hears, I will not despair 
yet.” 

And even while the faint accents came, she fell 
forward prone amid the ruin, the white, beautiful 
features gleaming like marble indeed, and as icy 
cold. 

Seippel, coming up, found her senseless. 


• CHAPTEK II. 

“HOW GRANDLY BEAUTIFUL.” 

“Yonder, my friend, are Schwarzenberg Heights.” 

The words were brief, and held simple meaning, 
but it was the tone of the speaker’s voice that said 
so much. 

“How grandly beautiful,” returned Aubrey Dal- 
berg, his enthusiasm by no means feigned. “My 
dear Count Roderich, I do not wonder you are proud 
of your home. It looks to me, from this approach, 
as the one spot in all my travels to which I cannot 
imagine an added charm.” 

“I was sure that it must please you,” returned the 
young German nobleman, smiling warmly upon his 
American friend, and then turning to gaze again, 
with kindling eyes, upon the scene. 

The two young gentlemen were mounted upon a 
pair of sleek roan horses, and had checked the 
animals at the bend of the highway which here 
branched into two separate roads — one winding 
down around the slope of the hill, and the other 
cutting a straight, sharp pathway down to the 
river’s brink. They were on the brow of the hill, • 
and below them lay outspread as fair a landscape 


A SILVER BRAND, 


15 


as the most ardent lover of the picturesque could 
desire. 

First of all, most prominent in the view, was the 
river, broad and full, and “deeply, darkly blue” — 
the beautiful river that Dalberg had followed in his 
travels, mile upon mile, lingering here at the proud 
old cities, and there at some castle-crowned crag, 
and always finding something charming, albeit 
weird and strange, upon its picturesque banks. On 
the right and on the left it spread forth majestically, 
but immediately in front of them the blue fiash of 
dimpling water was broken up by a small island 
formed of triple hills, the central one the highest, 
the outlines of the three shaded off by the dark 
green foliage of magnificent trees, and sloping 
away in the most graceful lines, while below, ter- 
races of velvety turf and sloping lawns of emerald 
hue, cut clear and sharp by white avenues winding 
upward, showed it was a spot of careful culture. 
Above, crowning the central height, rose the grace- 
ful chimneys and the square towers of an enormous 
building, massive enough for a fortress, and as 
grand a specimen of architecture as a royal palace: 
Behind the island spread again the blue glitter of 
the divided river, and then the villa-sprinkled shore, 
and for a background rose the distant mountain 
peaks, their tops silver- white with unmelting snows. 

This lovely isle did not lie in the center of the 
river, but was nearer the shore below them by one- 
half at the least than to the opposite banks. With 
this shore it was connected by a long arched bridge, 
which formed as picturesque a feature as the scene 
offered. 

“How very beautiful!” repeated Aubrey Dalberg. 
“Do you know, Count Roderick, I am almost re- 
luctant to take another step ; I am afraid of dis- 
solving a spell of enchantment.” 

“There is no fear,” returned his companion. 
“ The building is a very fine specimen of the old 
architecture. Do you know the old portcullis foun- 
dations were laid before your western home was 
dreamed about in the world’s geography!'^ And tb.e 
house has wings and improvements dating through 


16 


A SiLVm BRAND, 

two centuries. My father will tell you about it. 
He will congratulate himself upon such an inter- 
ested listener as you will be. I counted as much 
upon his gratification as upon yours, Meester Dal- 
berg.” 

As he said the last, he laughed ; for his quaint 
pronunciation of English had been previously the 
subject of good-humored banter between them. 

“ I suspect my admiration will seem very foolish 
and plebeian,” returned Dalberg. “ But how can it 
be helped, coming as I do from a country whose 
antiquity is still a thing of yesterday? Is the bridge 
yonder the, only method of approach to the isle?” 

“Without a boat, yes. On the other side of the 
island is a wharf ; but it is almost always on this 
side that visitors find admittance, for that side is 
rocky and precipitous, and one can only make the 
landing with caution. Both approaches are as jeal- 
ously guarded as in the old feudal days, however. 
My father has revived the ancient fashion of keeping 
a sentinel on guard day and night. Come, let us spur 
up our horses ! A trot across the bridge is an ex- 
perience worth having.” 

With a light touch of the spur and a gay chirrup, 
the pair went cantering down the slope, and dashed 
out upon the long, securely planked bridge. 

As the young count had intimated, a soldierly 
looking fellow, in a sort of liveried uniform, with a 
gun at his shoulder, stepped forth from a sentry- 
box and seemed about to challenge their approach ; 
but the next instant he swept off his close cap and 
presented arms, recognizing either the horses or 
the young gentleman’s person. 

The latter nodded a good-humored recognition of 
the salute, but did not rein-in his horse, and they 
kept up the spirited canter until they neared the 
other end of the bridge, when the animals them- 
selves came to an abrupt pause. 

Here was another sentry-box, and a second soldier, 
a tall, brawny-chested fellow, who looked equal to 
the management of any two men of ordinary size, 
stepped forth. 

‘‘Ah, Seippel, a good day to you! All well at the 


A SILVER BRAND, 


17 


Heights?” spoke the Count Roderich, leaning from 
his saddle to look into the man’s face. 

“All well, my lord,” responded the man, with a 
sharp, inquiring glance at the new-comer. 

“No company there, I hope,” pursued Roderich. 

“Except — none at all, my lord,” returned Seippel, 
with a flash across his bright blue eyes that Aubrey 
Dalberg could not help fancying held mischievous 
amusement, and straightway he fell to wondering 
what the man had found in his companion’s ques- 
tion to provoke such a sentiment. 

The reverie was, however, quickly interrupted by 
the interesting objects which every turn of the 
smooth avenue presented. It was one succession of 
delightful surprises, and all the while the road was 
winding higher and higher, and Aubrey Dalberg 
would turn around in the saddle and look back over 
to the fair shores they had left behind, and back to 
the picturesque scenes about him, and hardly be con- 
tent with but one pair of eyes to drink in so much 
loveliness. 

His companion evidently enjoyed his delight, but 
withal there was a certain gravity, almost uneasi- 
ness^ in his look. 

“ I wonder I have not heard more of the place 
from our tourists!” exclaimed Dalberg. 

“Not many of them get over to the isle. My 
father guards it rather jealously,” returned the 
other, smilingly. 

“But I should think your countrymen at the 
metropolis would all be proud to sing its praises.” 

There came no answer to this, and Dalberg was 
too much occupied with gazing about him to press 
the question. The road wound now almost in a 
circle about the base of the hill. As the travelers 
reached the summit the magnificent old building 
rose up before them, its grand, gray lines cutting 
sharply against the vivid blue of the skyc Worthy 
indeed to be called a palace, the building was itself 
an unspoken poem. 

Dalberg’s admiration had passed beyond enthu- 
siasm even, into an emotion that was too deep for 
^peech. 


18 


A SILVER RRA2W. 


So be only looked in silence. The Count Roderich 
had noticed a tall figure pacing to and fro along a 
shaded walk at the right, and as a servant caine 
hastily forth from some unseen outlook, he dis- 
mounted and motioned for his companion, who had 
followed his example, to accompany him thither. 

“ I bring a guest to Schwarzenberg Heights, your 
lordship,” said he; “a young American tourist, 
whose acquaintance I have made at the capital. 
He is such an admirer of our German scenery I 
could not let him return without a glimpse of the 
Heights.” 

The tall, large-framed man turned and fixed upon 
Aubrey Dalberg a pair of keen black eyes. 

“ Mr. Aubrey Dalberg — my father, the Baron Val- 
entin Baer,” resumed Roderich, not without a faint 
betrayal of nervousness in his tones. 

“You are welcome, my young friend,” said the 
baron, in a deep and not unmusical voice, speaking 
as his son had done, in very tolerable English. “I 
trust you have found your long journeying both 
profitable and entertaining.” 

“It is all delightful,” returned Aubrey, eagerly; 
“but nowhere, never before, have I enjoyed any- 
thing like this !” 

And he waved his hand toward the house, and 
fell again to gazing, with eyes that plainly betrayed 
his enjoyment and sincerity. 

The baron’s grave, dark face brightened. 

He drew his son a step aside, and questioned in a 
low voice, earnestly : 

“Has he heard — there at the capital? Does he 
know?” 

“He knows nothing whatever of the curse, the 
blight which turns this paradise into something 
worse than the watery prison of Tantalus, if that is 
what you mean,” replied the other, with a bitter 
smile. 

“Then 1 may enjoy his company,” exclaimed the 
baron, eagerly, and turned back to young Dalberg 
who was still gazing about him in keen enjoyment, 
with a face quite changed from its first severe 
gravity. 


A SIZVUB BBAm. 


19 


“ I am exceedingly gratified to welcome such an 
appreciative guest, and warmly applaud Roderich’s 
discretion in bringing you himself,” said he, with a 
genial smile. “Pray do not linger any longer. 
Enter the old house, a kindly welcomed guest— a 
house, my friend, where kings and princes and 
famous men, whose names have rung like clarion 
notes throughout Europe, have been guests before 
you. Schwarzenberg Heights has borne no mean 
part in the great drama.” 

“One can read it on the venerable but still majes- 
tic walls. For the first time I can fully sympathize 
with and comprehend what must be the strength of 
a man^s pride in such an ancestral home,” returned 
the American, warmly. 

Something in this speech sent a black shadow 
chasing again across the baron^s face, but it was 
gone the next moment as he led the way up the 
long flight of massive steps to the huge double door, 
grand with carvings, and surmounted by a heavy 
canopy of elaborate architecture, which was held in 
place by two grinning gargoyles, under which stood 
gigantic stone knights, armed to the teeth, and 
seeming to challenge any intruder’s entrance. 

The great doors swung open of themselves, and 
Aubrey Dalberg looked into a vast hall, which 
struck him with something of a cathedral’s gloom 
and awe, it was so long and high. 

“A place, indeed, for kings and heroes to be wel- 
comed !” murmured Aubrey; “it seems presumptu- 
ous for any less noble to cross this charmed thresh- 
old.” 

The baron smiled proudly ; his son glanced about 
him with a singular smile of bitter mockery. 

“We will not linger now, at least. Let us hasten 
to refresh ourselves with bath and luncheon tray. 
We are filled with the dust of the highway. Your 
lordship will be good enough to dismiss us to the 
chambers for a time,” said Roderich. 

“It is well enough, to be sure. And Herr Dalberg 
shall have plenty of time to examine the whole 
place. If he is a tourist his time is his own, and we 


20 


A SILVEE BE AND, 


may keep him until he is weary of us, replied the 
baron. 

And forthwith the pair ascended the grand stair- 
way which was wide enough for six to pass up 
abreast. A valet was waiting in the first of the 
suite of sumptuous rooms, and at a low-spoken 
order in German from Roderick, he bowed in hum- 
ble obeisance, and motioned for the American to 
follow him, leading the way to the opposite corridor, 
where the latter found himself in possession of a 
richly furnished chamber. 

While he was still gazing about him some one 
came to the open door and glanced in, and the valet 
dropped the dressing-gown he had brought forth 
from the wardrobe with a look of peculiar deference 
and respect, and went hastily to answer his authori- 
tative nod. They spoke a moment in low tones, 
and Aubrey understood enough of German to com- 
prehend that the valet was" explaining his presence 
there. Then the stranger retreated, the valet closed 
the door and came back to his duty, assisting 
Aubrey at his toilet with the ready ease of long 
practice. Half an hour afterward the young gentle- 
men were sitting over the luncheon tray in a pretty 
parlor which led from Count Roderich’s chamber. 
The baron came in while yet they were discussing 
the tempting viandSo 

“Now then,” he said, “if you are not tired, Herr 
Dalberg, you shall make a thorough acquaintance 
with Schwarzenberg. I can show you apartments 
made sacred by the presence of many crowned 
heads, and illustrious by the visits of some of the 
most famous men and women in the world’s history. 
Come, let me show you the old rooms. My other 
son and my daughter will join us at dinner; till then 
I shall be selfish enough to claim you to myself. I 
do not often meet with a congenial spirit. I have 
seldom any interest in my visitors.” 

“ I should think you might select them from the 
flower of the land,” returned Aubrey, looking about 
him with an interest that did not pall. “ As I told 
your son I only marvel that the fame of this beauti- 
ful spot had not been trumpeted throughout all 


A Sizrm ZBAM). 


21 


Germany, and that I have no.t heard of you, nor 
met you at the capital.” 

Aubrey did not see the sudden, wincing 'tremor 
that convulsed the baron’s features nor the black 
gloom that fell upon his eyes, for he turned his face 
away quickly. 

Roderick rose and walked to the window, drum- 
ming impatiently with his fingers upon the glass. 
The next moment the baron answered in a calm 
voice although husky with repressed emotion : 

“You must not expect to see or to hear of me 
away from Schwarzenberg. I am a thorough re- 
cluse. I have dropped the world, and as a natural 
consequence the world has forgotten me. I hope 
you will not hear from me. I wish, if you have any 
friendship for me, growing out of this visit, that 
you will not allow any one to mention my name nor 
speak a word concerning me.” And then he added, 
almost impatiently, while Aubrey Dalberg stood in 
embarrassed silence, scarcely knowing what to say 
in answer to this speech. “ Come, let us proceed to 
explore the house. It can entertain you better than 
by such idle, personal chattering.” 

Aubrey followed him from one fioor to another, 
more and more astonished at the magnificence and 
wealth, the priceless historical treasures stored 
within these walls, of which no breath of fame had 
come to him. He began to comprehend that there 
was some mystery connected with it all, to perceive 
something strange in the baron’s words and manner, 
and to be alert to watch for any explanation in a 
chance woj’d or unguarded look. 

“And this is the picture-gallery,” he exclaimed, 
eagerly, as they passed through a long corridor, 
and saw two wide doors fiung open beneath a rich 
damask canopy, and had a view of the long line of 
paneled portraits within. 

The baron strode forward with a fierce ejacula- 
tion ; 

“Catiffsl simpletons! who has dared!” he vocifer- 
ated in German.” 

A tall figure stepped forth from the silken hang- 
ings, and a steady voice said, quietly? 


22 


A SILVEB BRAND. 


“ It was I who ordered the doors opened, and the 
sunlight admitted. The paintings are getting 
musty, and need drying. Besides when the beauties 
of Schwarzenberg palace are exhibited to a stranger, 
the picture-gallery surely will not be passed by.” 

Was there any secret sarcasm or stinging thrust 
in the courteous words and smooth tone? Aubrey 
Dalberg saw that the baron had turned deadly pale, 
that his hands were clenched, and his breath came 
in hoarse gasps. He turned about quickly, with 
his face to the wall, and stood thus through what- 
ever conflict it was which shook his secret soul. 
Then he faced about, and looked over to the 
stranger, as if forgetting any other presence. 

“Yes,” said he, coldly and sternly, “I will visit 
the picture-gallery. Lead on.” 

The tall stranger bowed again. 

“Your lordship forgets that I have had no intro- 
duction to the American gentleman.” 

Again the Baron Baer gnawed flercely at his pale 
lip, and conquered the rising wrath. 

“ Mr. Dalberg, this is Herr von Schubert, a very 
loyal and devoted subject of his royal highness, 

Prince . That latter noble gentleman is never 

afraid to trust him with his adroit or profound 
schemes.” 

Aubrey Dalberg could not help perceiving the 
sarcasm of this speech, nor be unaware of the 
mutual antagonism betrayed by the gentlemen. 
Von Schubert, however, seemed to have the best 
control of himself, and to retain command of his 
temper. He bowed with easy grace. 

“I am happy to make the acquaintance of all 
Americans, Mr. Dalberg in particular. I hope you 
find your residence in these parts agreeable.” 

Aubrey answered as briefly as possible. Then 
Von Schubert led the way to the open door of the 
gallery, talking carelessly in a ready, off-hand 
style. It was he who explained to Aubrey, picture 
after picture of the long lines of grim warriors and 
queer ladies, and related glibly little anecdotes of 
each. The Baron Valentin stalked behind them in 
grim silence. But Aubrey, who watched him fur- 


A SILVER BRAND, 


23 


lively and uneasily, perceived . that as they passed 
on, nearing the modern portraits, his face twitched 
nervously, and his lips grew more and more color- 
less. 

A black curtain hung before the last panel, and 
Aubrey instinctively became aware that beneath it 
was the unknown cause of the baron’s emotion. 
The latter gave one quick, shuddering glance toward 
it, and a look of intense relief flashed across his 
eyes as he discovered the lowered curtain. 

Von Schubert’s clear cold eye was upon him, and 
a sarcastic, exulting smile crossed his face as he 
stepped forward and flung up the black folds, 
saying: 

“And this, Herr Dalberg, is the portrait of the last 
Baron Schwarzenberg’s only son, a young man of 
exceedingly brilliant promise, but whose magnifi- 
cent prospects were cut short by an untimely and 
violent death. Beside him is the inimitable likeness 
of the young wife, whose tender heart was also 
broken by that terrible catastrophe.” 

Aubrey looked at the pictures with eyes that at 
first could only see the ghastly, horrified, living 
countenance behind him. 

The Baron Valentin had followed them with 
steps that seemed urged by other volition than his 
own, with a dazed look in his eye, as of one whose 
whole heart recoiled from the sight, and was yet 
fascinated, by some potent spell, to seek and en- 
dure it. 

That remorseless hand of Von Schubert still held 
away the somber vail, and showed the pictures 
fresh and bright as when first given from the artist’s 
brush. His coldly glittering eye searched over the 
baron’s convulsed face. 

Who was the man? What mysterious power had 
he to stand thus in the presence of the master of 
that grand old place, and torture him, as so evi- 
dently he was doing? 

Aubrey Dalberg asked this mentally, again and 
again, before this strange visit to the picture-gallery 
was ended. 

The canvas showed the face of a young and 


24 


A SIZVFB BBAM), 


spirited man, handsome, with a likeness Aubrey in- 
stantly detected of Count Roderich and of the Baron 
Valentin himself. A fiery-spirited man, if the brill- 
iant flash of the eye, the haughty curl of the thin 
lip, meant anything. 

The Baron Valentin gave one hoarse groan, and 
a singular blending of anger, remorse, and horror 
looked forth from his quivering features. 

But the next instant it was all swept away by a 
stronger passion as his eyes darted to the lady’s 
portrait, and seemed to cling there with mingled 
adoration and anguish. 

A wonderful face it was. No wonder the artist 
had produced such a beauteous gem of art, if there 
had been a living model before him. A woman 
royally beautiful, with a sweet, angelic gentleness 
of expression blending with the high-bred grace 
that was indescribably charming. A face to drive 
passionate men into wild deeds. Those wonderful, 
magnetic eyes would take a hold no after experi- 
ence could efface. This stern baron, it was plain, 
had been under the spell of their witchery. Even 
now he forgot the spectators, the circumstances, the 
time ' and place, and stood spell-bound, gazing, 
gazing — all his soul in his look, the color slowly 
creeping into his pale cheek, the old fire kindling in 
his eyes.* 

“Lady Pauline!” he murmured, in a low, passion- 
ate tone. 

Herr von Schubert’s eyes never lost a single 
change of expression. He smiled a slow, dark 
smile, that made Aubrey shrink, and the latter ad- 
vanced between them hastily from a vague prompt- 
ing, and spoke : 

“Baron Baer.” 

The baron started, turned, looked from one to the 
other in a strange blind stare, then put his hand to 
his head, and staggered out of the gallery. 

But outside they heard a heavy fall. 

Rushing forth they saw two servants lifting up 
the senseless figure of their master and bearing it 
away toward his private suite of rooms* 


A SILVER BRAND. 


25 


Aubrey was about to follow, but his companion 
had a restraining hand on his shoulder. 

“You had best leave him to recover alone, my 
friend. The man has a heart, it seems, a fact I had 
begun to doubt. He liaB not visited this gallery 
since the last baron died. No wonder the memories 
which arose to confront him were overwhelming.” 

“ I must go and ask for him. He must be very 
ill,” returned Aubrey, impatiently, trying to shake 
off the detaining hand. 

“You will do well to leave that man alone, my 
generous young American; not only now, but in the 
future. His friendship is dangerous, his service 
fatal. Do not say I have not warned you,” contin- 
ued Von Schubert, coolly. 

“I do not understand a word you have said,” cried 
Aubrey, indignantly. 

“ Unsophisticated youth ! Have you no idea either 
why you are here, the especial pet of father and 
son?” continued the other, with a satirical smile. 

“ I came because Count Roderich was good enough 
to invite me to visit this charming spot ; and he 
asked me because he knew of my ardent admiration 
of picturesque scenery like this,” was Aubrey’s 
indignant return. 

“Are you really ignorant of their plot, or have 
you attained such successful acting at your youth- 
ful age?” 

Aubrey’s indignation merged into wrath. He 
turned and walked swiftly away without deigning 
a glance behind him. 


CHAPTER III. 

‘‘HOW I LONG TO DISCLOSE ALL!” 

There is another island toward which the diverg- 
ing lines of our story lead us. Very little in appear- 
ance like the beautiful gem which the deep rolling 
Danube bore upon its bosom in royal pride. A long, 
narrow, rocky strip of land lying parallel with a 
bleak, sterile New England coast, against which 


26 


A SILVER BRAND. 


the unobstructed waves from an ocean-wide travel 
came thundering and shattering in white lines of 
surf. None of that luxuriant verdure nor the vel; 
vety turf that Aubrey Dalberg had admired so much 
at Schwarzenberg. There* were either sharp, pre- 
cipitous ledges of slate, or broad, white lines of 
sand at the base. A few stunted plants with a 
chilly-looking blue blossom crept into the interstices 
of the higher rocks wherever a bit of warm earth 
had lodged, but the whole aspect was bleak and 
bare, only enticing upon a garish July or August 
day, when the salt air and the cool sea breeze are 
more welcome than the deepest woodland shade or 
the fairest bower of blossoming. However, the 
island had its habitations, six of them, strung along 
the rough, tortuous road that led along the one 
smooth strip of beach, and wound up the hill to the 
single, pretentious building — the latter, indeed, 
only in the matter of comparison. For the other 
buildings were such humble, indifferent affairs that 
an ordinarily comfortable mansion looked quite 
grand beside them. 

Four of these latter were fishermen’s cabins ; one 
belonged to a queer fellow, a singular compound of 
surliness and good humor, called by some Nat, the 
hermit, and by others, Mr. Nathaniel, the taxider- 
mist, by which two characters he was solely known 
on the island and upon the neighboring shore. Nat 
lived entirely alone and performed the various 
duties of housekeeper apparently to his own satis- 
faction, for no one else was ever called in to his 
assistance. That the man was neat-fingered and 
dextrous people had ample proof who obtained a 
peep into his cabinet, where a miniature grove sup- 
ported the life-like forms of many of the beautiful 
winged creatures which came with the summer 
visitors, but which, if they were rare specimens, 
seldom escaped Nat’s unerring rifle or obtained 
opportunity to depart. 

Nat’s home was supposed to be upon the island, 
but there were weeks and weeks when his cheery 
cabin windows had its green paper curtain down, 
and when his door was locked against every visitor. 


27 


A SILVER BRAND, 

The nei^fhbors would only shru^ their shoulders 
and say, “Nat’s off again on a tramp,” and because 
the thing was so frequent an occurrence, forbore 
to be curious in the matter. 

But we are lingering at the taxidermist’s cabin 
and neglecting the great house on the hill, which 
no one of the humble inhabitants of the place would 
think of doing, for however careless they may re- 
gard Nat’s comings and goings, no member of the 
Foss family stirs an inch without being followed by 
curious glances and numberless queries. 

The house is a large rambling affair, originally 
built by a rich merchant, from the distant city, who 
took the notion to enjoy the advantage without the 
discomfort and crowd of a fashionable watering- 
place. So the building was perched upon the high- 
est ground, with long piazzas fronting the sea, and 
with wide doors that could be sef open so that the 
keen salt air should circulate in every room. The 
merchant had spent but two seasons at the house, 
and then had tired of thq place, and it had stood 
tenantless, except for a few weeks in the warmest 
weather, year by year, until a queer, foreign-looking 
man had come over to the island, seen the empty 
building, and making inquiries, found out that the 
place was for sale. A week from that day, the 
fishermen and their wives were electrified by the 
information that “Rock House,” as it was called, 
had been sold. Be sure there was inattention to 
nets and housework, when the^boat loads of furni- 
ture arrived, and were carried up to the mansion. 
But the most intense interest concentrated on the 
boat that finally brought a group of half a dozen 
people to take possession. Two men and three 
women. Tall, thin, dark-haired, all of them, and 
with a marked family likeness, so that for a long 
time the people below could not tell when they were 
speaking to Mr. Paul or to Mr. Urban us Foss ; nor 
be sure whether it was Theodosia, or Rhoda, or 
Penelope, when they saw the tall, straight figure of 
a woman emerge sedately from Rock House, and 
take the path down to the landing. 

There was a great deal of speculation and gossip- 


28 


A SIZV^B BBABB. 


ing concerning the Foss family, but the little in- 
formation obtained, during the first year of their 
residence among them, was the extent of the 
islanders’ knowledge at the end of the ten years, 
which still found them in possession of , the Rock 
House, evidently established there for life. They 
were of foreign origin ; that any one of ordinary 
sagacity could see at once. Each look and way and 
dress had its own quaint peculiarity. The nation- 
ality had not puzzled people either, for all had 
unanimously pronounced them French, which was 
confirmed, when old Ben White came hobbling 
away from his first long talk with Mr. Urbanus 
Foss, the eldest of the family and the most com- 
municative, by far. 

“French, of course, I told you so!” said Ben. 
“He’s told me a lot about Paris. By jingo! it made 
me wish I’d been a merchant sailor, instead of a 
poor fisherman, to hear him tell about it. I s’pose 
I might ha’ seen all the fine foreign places, if I’d 
been a mind.” 

“That’s no news! if it’s all you’ve found out; it’s 
no great good you’ve got out of your long talk,” 
quoth Martha, his wife. 

“Mebbe it ain’t; you women folk want to jerk in 
the line at the first bite. R’ow which were the two 
you called the men’s wives? Which were the two 
Mrs. Fosses?” asked Ben, with a sly twinkle in his 
eye. 

Which Martha no|^ed, and governed herself ac- 
cordingly, naming the two she had hitherto doubted, 
and leaving out altogether the one she had been so 
positive was the mistress of the house. 

Ben laughed out in due enjoyment of having 
caught one who was usually a little ahead of him. 

“Ho, marm, guess again, Martha; you know 
you’re smart at guessing.” 

“Of course it’s the one that’s left, the tallest 
woman, the one whose eyes snap so,” returned his 
wife somewhat crest-fallen. 

Upon which Ben laughed again, longer and louder 
than before. 

“Ho, ho! ha, ha! Well now, Marthy, as you’re a 


A SILVm BRAND. 


29 


living woman, there ain’t a married one among 
’em. They’re just brothers and sisters, and if that 
ain’t an odd family — five of ’em and nary one 
married 1” 

“But there’s a child— the girl,” ejaculated the 
astonished woman. 

“Yes, but she’s nary a bit relation. It’s a girl 
they’ve adopted, I expect.” 

“ Do tell ! well now that beats all. They’re queer 
folks, ain’t they?” 

And queer folks they remain still, after the ten 
years’ residence. By no means Americanized, and 
fraternizing very little with outsiders, they had yet 
obtained a sort of hold upon the affections of the 
simple people among whom they had come, while 
commanding also a hearty respect, and a rather 
vague awe. 

We are going with Mr. Paul Foss to take our first 
look at the Rock House. That gentleman has just 
landed after a visit to the town, and he brings a 
light basket of groceries on his arm, which he 
hands promptly to the thin, angular woman who 
opens the rear door for him, and glances quickly, 
with those sharp black eyes of hers, over his person, 
and almost immediately pounce's upon a broad 
streak of dust upon the skirt of his coat. 

“ There, Paul, you must let me brush you ! Don’t 
come a step farther. I do wish those filthy shop- 
keepers would try to be a little decent. You’ve 
been sitting down on some of their dusty benches, 
and there’s two or three spots. I’ve no doubt 
they’re oil, or molasses. Do take off the coat, Paul, 
and let me clean it,” cried she, in a shrill, high- 
toned voice, as if speaking to a deaf person, and 
running off the words so swiftly a stranger could 
hardly have followed her. 

This was Theodosia, the oldest of the three Misses 
Foss. She was known on the island from the others, 
after a year’s residence, by her straight, erect 
figure, and by the way she carried her head, with 
her little sharp nose turned up to the air as if 
scenting out some impurity somewhere. Besides, 
her eyes were smaller and blacker, her hair grayer 


30 


A Sizvm BRAND. 


and scantier, if possible, than Miss Ehoda’s, al- 
though all three wore the same little wizened knot 
pinned up behind with a monstrous shell comb that 
looked as incongruous as a giant’s helmet upon a 
baby’s head. 

Paul meekly resigned his coat, and went back to 
scrape his feet a second time. By this time the 
sound of their voices had brought a pair of eyes to 
every door in the room, and there were four of the 
latter. 

Two other Misses Foss appeared, very like the 
eldest, with the same thin, spare form, and in just 
such an immaculate print dress, with the very same 
style of wide muslin collar, snowy white, and 
pinned with exactness by a square, old-fashioned 
breastpin containing a twisted bow of gray hair. 

Closer scrutiny showed you that Rhoda entirely 
lacked Theodosia’s energetic, commanding way, 
that she had a little nervous affection of the facial 
muscles, and a timid, irresolute smile with which 
she turned helplessly to her sister at the slightest 
difficulty. Penelope, the youngest of the family, 
while she possessed the same features and general 
air, had yet a marked personality of her own. She 
had evidently been more comely than the others, 
her complexion was still fairer, her eyes larger, and 
it seemed deeper, for when you looked into them, 
which, to be sure, few people had ever done, you 
read there a startling suggestion. She was not a 
woman like the others, her whole thought did not 
spend itself on the little details of housekeeping, 
the perpetual battle against dust, and wear, and 
tear. Somewhere, down deep in her soul, this 
Penelope had another world whither the true 
woman retired to dream, in agony or ecstasy — who 
but herself, could tell which ? She was quiet in the 
house, talking far less than Rhoda, but yet, in her 
way, resisting Theodosia’s autocratic ways. 

Penelope and Paul were the closest friends of the 
household, although it was a little remarkable, for 
Paul was as tyrannical and authoritative in his way 
as Theodosia, with whom, from her very childhood, 
Penelope had seemed to clash. 


A SILVER BRAKE. 


31 


Urbanus, the second son, was very like Rhoda, 
except that he had more assurance. He was a kind- 
hearted, genial man, and as I have hinted before, 
it was he who mixed most with the fishermen, who 
loved to linger over his foreign stories. Urban had 
come to the side-door, his spectacles pushed up upon 
liis forehead. 

“ Ah, yes, so you’re home again, Paul. I hope you 
didn’t forget those screws I wanted,” he said, 
blandly. 

Paul put his hand in his pocket, but at that 
n: oment a rich clear voice called from the farther 
door, that which opened into the parlor, and thither 
every eye turned promptly. 

A fair young girl stood there, looking fairer and 
sweeter, and fresher for the contrast of her sur- 
roundings, as a rose has tenfold loveliness blossom- 
ing out of a hedge of thorns, and startling one with 
the sweet surprise. 

“Uncle Paul, do tell me quickly if the magazine 
has come ! I am so impatient for it. I hope you 
will not tease me by delay. Uncle Paul.” 

The winsome blue eyes smiled upon him, but Mr. 
Paul’s manner held more than affection or admira- 
tion, a nameless air of deference, and he bowed as 
the old cavaliers used to bend before their sovereign 
princes. And straightway he produced a neatly 
tied roll from his inner pocket, pulling out also as 
he did so a large, foreign -looking letter, the envelope 
bluish-gray, with a row of stamps across the top. 

“Yes, Miss Lina, I have brought the magazine.” 

The blithe young fairy danced across the fioor, 
took it, and kissed the tips of the fingers which gave 
it with an airy grace that was inborn, and then fiew 
away, and was the next instant ensconced among 
the pile of white cushions in the great chair, that 
was wheeled into the bay-window, which looked 
out upon the sea from the front chamber. 

The group left behind stared from each other to 
the foreign-looking letter, which still lay upon the 
floor. 

Theodosia was the first to speak. She dropped 
the brush and coat— actually dropped them both. 


32 


A JSIZVm BRAND. 


without a thought of hanging either in its proper 
place. 

‘‘Another letter, Paul!” exclaimed she, in that 
high, incisive voice ; “and there is no remittance 
due yet. Then it must be something extraordinary. 
Have you read it?” 

“No, Theodosia. Is it likely I would read it be- 
fore I brought it before you all? Come, let us go 
together and break the seal. Are you ready. 
Urban?” 

“Certainly, just let me get my other glasses, these 
are the far-sighted ones,” responded Urbanus, dart- 
ing back into the work-room, where he had been 
employed at a tool-bench. 

Theodosia took off her apron, folded it, and laid 
it on the table. She stooped also to pick up the 
fallen coat and brush, then carefully shook out the 
folds of her scant skirt, lest by any chance a stray 
atom of dust had lodged there, and should be carried 
into the grand room of the house. Rhoda had been 
standing still, pulling helplessly at the ribbon- 
strings of her black silk apron. She looked over to 
Theodosia inquiringly, stroked and shook her own 
dress, and then moved on toward the little room 
where all the solemn consultations of the family 
were held, with the outside show of impartial dis- 
cussion at least, although Theodosia and Paul 
usually settled the whole. 

Penelope did not follow the others at once. She 
stood leaning against the wall, her hands clasped 
behind her, her eyes fixed upon the letter. The 
lowered lids hid from her brothers the wild terror, 
the fierce anguish which those eyes betrayed! 
When Paul picked up the letter she gave one deep, 
convulsive shudder, then turned slowly and stiffly, 
and followed behind Urban. 

Theodosia had pulled up the green cambric curtain 
of the solitary window of the library, a tiny room 
holding a center-table, a tall book-case with glass 
doors, five high-backed, stiff-looking chairs, and a 
picture hanging under a green curtain. 

Miss Theodosia had already taken her seat, and 
with a becomingly grave face awaited her brother’s 


A SILVER BRAND. 


33 


motions. Rhoda stood with her hand on the back 
of hers, fluttered and nervous as usual upon any 
event out of the common routine. When the others 
entered she sat down, and then started up again, 
and Anally settled herself, working off her agitation 
by plaiting and unplaiting her Angers in the folds 
of her dress. Penelope, on the contrary, though 
her very heart seemed bursting beneath the mighty 
throb which also choked her breath, dropped down 
into her seat, and turning her face to the window, 
never afterward moved an inch. 

Paul took up the letter, carefully inserted a paper- 
knife under the seal, moving with tantalizing slow- 
ness as he separated it intact, and laid the stamped 
wax carefully on one side. Then he spread open 
the paper, smoothed it out, and read aloud : 

“ June 20th, 185-. 

“ Danger menaces your charge. Let there.be strict seclusion and con- 
stant watchfulness. These are the strict commands of one high in 
authority. Be cautious in all respects. Only a few months longer, 
and youVill be relieved of the anxiety and care. Eemember, posi- 
tively strict seclusion. 

There was neither signature nor address to the 
letter, but that seemed no matter of' surprise to the 
Foss family. 

“Danger!” ejaculated Rhoda, lifting up both 
hands. “Oh, Theodosia, what can it be? What 
does his lords ” 

“Hush!— hush, Rhoda, you will always be such 
an imprudent child!” exclaimed Theodosia, shaking 
her long, skinny Anger in Rhoda’s face. “If there 
is danger, the very walls cannot be trusted. Why 
can’t you say he— we all understand whom you 
mean ?” 

Urban reached over and took the letter, and read 
it through carefully. He passed it on to Theodosia, 
who put on her spectacles^- and likewise looked it 
over. 

“There can be no mistake about the writing,” said 
she, holding it in turn to Rhoda. 

Rhoda was still frightened ; she shivered as she 
glanced at the letter, and dropped it into Penelope’s 


34 


A .SILVER BRAND. 


lap as if it had burned her. The latter took it up, 
her cold fingers closing over the paper with a fierce 
grasp. For a little time it lay in her lap, and she 
sat staring down at it. Then suddenly she looked 
up, and cried out sharply : 

“ In a few months ! must she leave us in a few 
months? oh, that is cruel, cruel!” 

“I am trying to think,” said Paul, ‘‘what danger 
there can be. It has not certainly come from any 
indiscretion of ours. We never had a stranger 
within our walls, nor allowed even a servant in the 
house to spy upon us.” 

“ It is not likely. If the danger were on this side 
the ocean it would be we who received the first 
warning of it,” returned Theodosia, in her decided 
fashion. “ Something has probably leaked out there. 
It may be some one is coming to search.” 

“Good Heaven! if that terrible man himself 
should come,” cried Khoda, starting up in a panic 
at the bare suggestion. 

“Rhoda!” exclaimed Theodosia, severely, “you 
always were a simpleton. How is he going to find 
us in this retired spot? You know we have none of 
us ever strayed half a dozen miles away from it. 
Besides is he not a prisoner, watched and guarded 
on every side? Do try to make less absurd speeches. 
I think, Paul, we must deny her the walks now, for 
all she has enjoyed them so much.” 

“ Of course we must, that is settled. And vou, 
Urbanus, must keep close watch of all approac^h to 
the island. Even if everything was discovered, it 
would be stratagem and not force that we should 
be called to meet. It would be very trying indeed 
if, after three long years of faithful devotion to the 
cause, a few months should defeat the whole.” 

“It shall not be defeated!” quoth Theodosia, with 
flashing eyes. “ Is not our very honor bound up in 
its success? Was it notr a proud and honorable duty 
that was given to our keeping ; and will it not be 
our crown of glory when it is fulfilled?” 

Penelope still sat with drooping head and lowered 
eyelids. Half unaware that her thoughts were 
taking speech she murmured ; 


A SILVER BRAND, 


35 


“And Tvhen it is fulfilled, we shall have lost Lina, 
oh, we shall have lost Lina from our midst.” 

“There it is again!” retorted Theodosia. “You 
will all bear witness how often I have reproved 
Penelope for forgetting who Lina really is. I 
warned you against setting your affections upon 
her as you might have done with an ordinary 
child. Again and again I have warned you. Don't 
blame me if you suffer from it now.” 

“I don’t blame you, Theodosia,” returned Penel- 
ope, huskily. “ I do not know as you could help 
me if you had the will. The child has crept very 
closely into my heart, and I cannot let her go with- 
out a pang.” 

“ Of course that is natural. 1 love her mySelf , but 
I have constantly schooled myself to be prepared 
for a separation. To be sure we did not expect it 
for three years longer, yet what real difference does 
it make since the trial finally comes?” 

“ Three years 1 ah, three years seem so long beside 
a few months,” answered Penelope. “They are long 
enough, perhaps — who knows — for me to die in,” she 
added, under her breath. 

“ It will be a dreary place here without her bright 
face,” said Urbanus, ruefully. “We shouldn’t stay 
here.” 

“ Ay, you needn’t be too hard on Penelope, Theo- 
dosia ; your heart is not so tender as hers, nor mine 
either, but it gives me a sharp twinge to think of 
losing her,” added Paul. 

“ Think of our father’s dying injunction. Think 
of having faithfully fulfilled this trust he and our 
noble patron gave to us,” retorted Theodosia, warm- 
ing up at this opposition. “Besides, does not she go 
to a grand and enviable station, and cannot you 
love her there? What foolish sentimentality. I 
long to enjoy her astonishment and delight when 
she knows it alL I am glad the time is shorter than 
we expected.” 

Penelope did not say any more. She sat there 
very still and silent, looking out of the window. 
She turned around slowly, however, when she heard 
the click of the sliding brass rings, as Theodosia’s 


36 


A SILVEH BE Am. 


firm hand swept away the green curtain from the 
single picture upon the wall. The others all rose 
and stood before the charming, life-like picture in a 
silent, motionless group. A proud, triumphant 
smile was on Theodosia’s face, and Paul’s eyes re- 
fiected it. Urbanus’ lips kept a tender gravity, and 
Ehoda put her handkerchief to her face and fell to 
weeping silently. But Penelope, with grim-set lips 
and ashy face, sat there by the window, and shud- 
dered. And the picture showed the sunny isle and 
the proud old towers of Schwarzenberg Heights. 

‘‘How I long to show and disclose all to her,” re- 
peated Theodosia, exultantly, as she dropped the 
curtain again. 


CHAPTER IV. 

“IT IS DONE.” 

The young Count Roderich met Aubrey in the ^ 
hall. 

“ My father wished me to show you the library. 
He is sure you will be interested in some of the old 
parchments, and the collection of illuminated mis- 
sals is rather rich, I believe.” 

“Then he has recovered,” exclaimed Aubrey, ex- 
ceedingly relieved to hear it. “I was extremely 
alarmed about him.” 

“ Without occasion. He is subject to these sudden 
indispositions, and recovers almost instantaneously. 
He will meet you at dinner,” returned Roderich, but 
he did not quite conceal a gloomy frown that crossed 
his frank, expressive face. 

He brought forth the richly illuminated manu- 
scripts, and devoted himself earnestly to his guest’s 
entertainment, and the latter could not help feeling 
both flattered and grateful. All the while, however, 
the words of the cold, sardonic voice he had heard 
in the picture-gallery haunted and puzzled him. 

Was there really a secret motive for this gener- 
ous hospitality bestowed upon a stranger? He re- 
solved to keep sharper watch of every look and 


A SILVER BRAND. 




gesture interchanged between father and son— 
especially now that he was able to detect a nervous 
trepidation in young Roderich’s countenance when- 
ever he met his inquiring eye. This secret con- 
sciousness in a measure destroyed his enjoyment of 
the treasures of literature and art scattered so pro- 
fusely before him, and he was relieved when the 
door again opened and the baron himself appeared. 
He came in with a light, elastic step, smiling so 
brightly that Aubrey half suspected he had dreamed 
the scene in the picture-gallery. 

“ I am rejoiced to see your lordship recovered,” 
stammered he. 

The baron waved his hand with a lordly gesture. 

“ Do not speak of it. It was but a momentary 
attack. I am quite well now. 1 trust my son has 
looked after your entertainment, and has not per- 
mitted you to weary of the place. Do you find 
aught of interest among the parchments? There 
are some worth a round sum of gold among the 
connoisseurs. If you have not found them, I must 
hunt them up for your benefit.” 

Perceiving the gentleman’s determination to ig- 
nore all remembrance of his illness, Aubrey Dal- 
berg quietly followed his lead, and gave his un- 
divided attention to the parchments. 

“ One would need many weeks to explore among 
such rich treasures,” he said, with a smile, presently 
lifting his head from out the depths of the parch- 
ment case. 

“ Why not take weeks, my friend?” said the host; 
“ be sure that you may claim a warm welcome for 
that time.” 

Aubrey turned to answer lightly, and was aware 
of the young count’s eye fixed upon him with an 
eager,’ watchful expression— something more and 
deeper than the call of common hospitality de- 
manded. 

“Nay,” replied he, in a low, constrained voice, 
“ while I cannot doubt the pleasue and profit of such 
a stay, I see the impossibility of its occurrence. I 
have made all my arrangements to leave Germany 
next week^ as well ae secured my passage home in 


BS 


A SILVER BRAND. 


the Havre boat for the first of the ensuing month.” 

Count Koderich walked off to the stained-glass 
window, and stared forth gloomily. "W as it the re- 
fiection of the ruby glass that so reddened his cheek 
and forehead? 

His father’s face flushed over with some quick 
gleam that seemed pleasure or triumph. 

“All the arrangements made, my dear Dalberg. 
You don’t mean that they are all made beyond the 
possibility of change?” 

“ Why, not beyond the possibility certainly, your 
lordship. But I have secured my passage, looked 
after my passport, and made every needed arrange- 
ment. Count Roderick can tell you that I was al- 
most at a loss to give the time required for this little 
journey to Schwarzenberg, lest it should hinder me 
from the prompt start on Monday next.” 

“ I am sorry. I should be so well pleased to keep 
you a long time as my guest. Then we must let 
no moment slip by without doing our best to enter- 
tain you. There are a few moments before we shall 
be summoned to dinner. Are you interested in 
coins? Will you look over this case, while I go to 
see that my orders have been carried out?” 

And the baron pointed to the glass casket which 
rested on the costly Mosaic table at his right hand. 

Aubrey proceeded to a prompt examination, and 
the baron beckoned his son, and they both left the 
room a moment, and stood without in the little 
antechamber between the library and the hall. 

After glancing sharply about him, to see that no 
eye was near to observe, the baron bent closely to 
Roderich, and whispered : 

“You do not guard your face. It’s shame and 
guilty confession will ruin all.” 

“I cannot help it. He is so frank and confiding. 
I feel like a Judas,” returned the young man, 
through his set teeth. 

“Simpleton! Would you risk our last hope for a 
womanish scruple? Think upon all that depends 
upon a successful carrying out of this plot! Besides, 
what real harm will come to him?” hissed back the 
father, 


A SIL VER BRAND, 39 

The gloomy cloud lifted from Roderich’s face for 
a little. 

“ True, I ought to find comfort in that remem- 
brance. You will not allow any real harm to touch 
him. You will make his captivity pleasant — you 
and Theresa. I must not forge b that. But my whole 
soul revolts from these underhanded, crafty ways. 
I was not meant for a villain.” 

“You are not my son. But you are fitted to take 
a grand and noble place. Such a place as a 
Schwarzenberg should always find. See to it that 
you make that place ready.” 

And the baron laid his hand heavily on Roderich^s 
shoulder, and looked down gravely into his face. 

The young man’s eye slowly kindled, he stretched 
out his hand to grasp the other’s while he spoke 
fervently. 

“You are right, father. It is my work, and I 
must not shrink from it.” 

“ Go back to him, while I speak a word to Theresa. 
Her part is scarcely less important. I thank fortune 
the youth has such a noble, winning manner. It 
will be less difficult to assume such warm friend- 
ship. Go back. And remember to guard your face 
more carefully, especially if he — the arch enemy, is 
at hand.” 

Roderich nodded and turned - back slowly to the 
library. Half an hour afterward the whole build- 
ing echoed with the summons to dinner. Roderich 
turned to his American friend with a warm smile. 

“ Come, now, my dear Dalberg, to the dining-hall. 
To give due honor to you, and to please himself 
also, the baron has given orders for all the state- 
plate to be brought forth. And the reason why you 
have not yet received a welcome from my sister is 
owing to the same fact ; for he required of her a 
toilet such as would be becoming had we for guests 
the most honored members of the royal court. You 
will at least give us credit for offering all due 
courtesy to an American citizen.” 

“Indeed, to confess the truth, such kindness is 
overpowering,” returned Aubrey. “If only I repre- 
sented either the genius or the ability of America I 


40 


A SIZVm BRAND. 


miglit accept such honorable treatment with toler- 
able composure. But when I know how humble 
and insignificant and ordinary my position really 
is 

“hTay,” interrupted the young count, ‘‘are you not 
all heirs presumptive to the throne of power — you 
enviable republicans? But truly it is yourself we 
honor. You know how I took to you from the first 
moment I met you. Be assured that no guest has 
entered beneath this roof for many and many a day 
who has awakened such earnest and sincere interest 
as you have done.” 

There was no opportunity for Aubrey to reply, for 
while he was speaking Eoderich moved on, leading 
the way across the hall where the dimness of twi- 
light was wrapping shadowy clouds about the 
banner-hung walls. A blaze of light from a pair 
of folding doors now flung widely open at the end 
of the hall illuminated the way for them, and Au- 
brey perceived half a dozen richly liveried servants 
moving excitedly to and fro within, as if busy still 
over extensive preparations. 

Eoderich’s eye burned brightly and there was still 
a hot flush upon his cheek. He drew Aubrey gently 
toward a seond door, and led him into a small but 
sumptuously furnished parlor. 

The baron was there in elaborate court costume, 
and beside him stood the graceful figure of a young 
and handsome woman, her costly brocade robe 
trailing its glistening folds half-way across the floor, 
her glossy, brown hair restrained by a band of 
shimmering jewels, her fair throat and arms like- 
wise scintillating from the diamond gleams of the 
encircling gems. 

“ My daughter, the Lady Theresa, Mr. Dalberg. 
Our American friend, dear Theresa. I trust you 
will he glad to aid us in making his stay at 
Schwarzenberg agreeable to him.” 

The Lady Theresa turned a bright, welcoming 
smile upon the young gentleman, while she replied, 
in a clear, musical voice, in excellent English : 

“Indeed, Mr. Dalberg, my prejudices — and they 
are not apt to be few or small— are in your favor. 


A SIZVJSE EEAm>. 


41 


We were educated here to admire all things that 
pertain to America. I am right happy that my dear 
father is at last permitted to entertain one of its 
worthy sons.” 

“ I can only be sensible of my un worthiness of all 
this generous kindness,” faltered Dalberg 

The baron smiled gayly. 

“ We consider ourselves the best judges of that, 
my excellent young man. And now pray give your 
arm to my daughter, and let us answer the sum- 
mons to dinner.” 

In another moment they were entering the mag- 
nificent dining-room, whose great chandeliers were 
all aglow with light, casting their crystal shimmer 
down upon the richly appointed board, where the 
daintiest china and the shining silver flashed back 
the radiance till the eye almost ached with excess of 
brightness. Aubrey could not indeed have imagined 
anything more brilliant or gorgeous had a royal 
party been present. The magnificent silver dishes, 
the rich perfume of the wreathing flowers, the 
savory odors of the tempting viands, the crowd of 
servants in their rich livery,, the grand-looking old 
baron in his lace ruffles and court suit ; Koderich, 
handsome and noble, opposite, and the beautiful, 
stately woman beside him, her diadem of precious 
jewels coruscating rainbow flashes at every move- 
ment of her head. No wonder the young man’s 
brain was half-turned and he was unable to fully 
realize that he was in the midst of an actual and 
living experience. There came, however, a little 
incident to prove that it was not entirely visionary. 

While they were yet settling themselves into the 
luxurious seats, there came the sound of a slow and 
firm step. 

The waiters lost their stolid, impassive look, and 
glanced at each other, and then toward the baron 
in sharp inquiry. The next instant, Herr von 
Schubert’s tall form, and cool, calm face appeared 
at the door-way. 

Once again a deep, sullen red poured over the 
Baron Yalentin’s face. He rose up in his seat, his 


42 


A JSIZVEH BBAm. 


eye flashing ominously, his hand outstretched. But 
immediately the latter fell heavily to his side. 

“What matter? an unbidden guest may bring 
good luck!” he muttered. And then he spoke aloud, 
authoritatively, to the chief waiter. 

“ Lay another cover. And bring a fifth chair — 
Herr von Schubert will grace our festive board with 
his august presence.” 

Von Schubert bowed still in that cool, formal 
fashion, which is more irritating to a nervous mood 
than the most provoking speech. 

“ Indeed, my lord baron, I did not imagine you 
would slight the august individual whom my hum- 
ble person represents at Schwarzenberg Heights. 
And therefore I came hither when the unusual 
preparations gave me to understand that a banquet 
was to be given in the American gentleman’s honor. 
I have no doubt the butler forgot to deliver your 
request for my presence.” 

The baron g’nawed impatiently at his under lip 
ere he made reply. But Lady Theresa interposed 
her clear, sweet voice : 

“ One may well be pardoned for forgetting a little 
item of etiquette at such a time. Methinks the old 
Schwarzenberg heir-looms must themselves rejoice 
to see the light once more. Herr von Schubert, will 
you take the seat at my left, and enjoy the unusual 
sight of festivity in the old walls?” 

“Thanks, fair lady,” returned Von Schubert, 
gallantly. 

And throughout the prolonged entertainment that 
followed he devoted himself to the girl, notwith- 
standing her own sweetest attentions were bestowed 
upon the American. 

“ I trust your brother is improving,” he said, as 
they rose at length. 

“ Alack, poor Stephano ! I’m afraid it is the con- 
trary,” returned she. “He was naturally anxious 
to join us here, and to claim the acquaintance of 
Mr. Dalberg. He made the attempt to leave his 
couch, and fainted. I fear that it will be long ere 
he is free to come and go about the house.” 

“I must have the physician here again,” spoke 


A SILVFAi BEAND. 


the baron. “Stephano has neglected himself too 
long. I am sorry that he will miss your acquaint- 
ance, Mr. Dalberg. Must you really leave us to- 
morrow?” 

“ I think it is really imperative. I am the loser 
that it should be so,” returned Aubrey, “especially 
when I should enjoy another sunset from those 
glorious Heights.” 

“Why not have it,” suggested Roderich, care- 
lessly. “ There is a charming moon. And it would 
be no great hardship to ride away just before mid- 
night. You would gain the same starting hour 
from the city.” ' 

“ How pretty it would be ! I should like it of all 
things,” responded Aubrey. “I think it would be 
something to remember all a life-time to ride from 
hence under a midnight moon, through the silence 
of sleeping towns.” 

“ I should like it myself. What says my father 
and Herr von Schubert?” responded Count Roderich, 
playing with the golden spoon lying on the pearly 
4im of his coffee cup. 

The baron shrugged his shoulders carelessly. 

“It matters naught to me, since l am not asked to 
brave the chill and damp of the night air. Boys 
will be boys, I suppose. I confess I have lost my 
sentimental admiration for moonshine.” 

“Might I accompany you?” smiled Lady Theresa, 
addressing her brother, but looking at Aubrey. 

The latter colored a little with sheer pleasure. 
Had the wine and the brilliant lights given him an 
intoxicating thrill? He was inclined to believe him- 
self already half in love with the beautiful woman. 
He gave her his arm, and she accepted it, although 
Von Schubert was offering his. ^ The latter turned 
away, a satirical smile on his lips, while a black 
frown crept over his forehead. 

The baron followed the youthful pair with ap- 
proving eyes. He and Roderich exchanged a swift 
and meaning glance, and both hastened to the little 
parlor whither Lady Theresa directed Aubrey’s 
steps. The lady sank down into the pile of velvet 
cushions which formed a tete-a-tete sofa. Her com- 


44 


A sizvm bran£^. 


panion pulled forward a Turkish ottoman, ^ay with 
gold embroidery, and placing it at her feet, sat 
down there. Theresa fixed upon him her dazzling 
eyes. 

“Well done! They slander who would persuade 
me that your countrymen are stiff and cold in 
gallantry, Mr. Dalberg.” 

“Let me always prove the contrary,” returned he, 
lightly, marveling the while at his own ease and 
fearlessness; “though I do not, indeed, remember 
my native land to-night. I seem to be in the midst 
of an Arabian Night vision.” 

“Do you think me an enchanted princess?” she 
asked, fanning herself coquettishly, and every 
movement of the supple white wrist sending a 
scintillating rainbow from the diamond bracelet. 

“Enchanting, certainly,” replied he, with another 
gallant bow. 

“Enough for you to buckle on armor for, and do 
battle with dragons and evil spirits?” she pursued, 
with an earnest look in her eye of which he became 
dimly conscious. 

“Beyond question, for one under the spell,” he 
answered. 

A low, fluttering sigh jarred the silver chorus of 
her laughter. 

“ Bring me my guitar yonder, and you shall have 
a German song before the others come,” she said, 
hastily. 

Aubrey found the daintily carved plaything, and 
laid it across her lap. Somehow it seemed to add 
the finishing touch to her loveliness as she bent her 
graceful head over it, and let her white fingers fall 
lovingly to the strings. It was plain to see that the 
Lady Theresa loved her guitar, and made a fond 
companion of it. The long-lashed eyelids drooped 
low upon the brilliant cheek while she sang in a 
rich and thrilling voice a weird, wild ditty, not a 
word of which could Aubrey Dalberg interpret. He 
only knew that it held some syren call, against 
which a passionate soul rebelled and wailed. He 
drew a long, long breath as the last note died away. 
Another, deep-drawn, until it was nearly a sob, re- 


A SiLVmi BRAND, 4§ 

sponded. It was not the singer, and turning, he be- 
held Von Schubert, pale as death, but with a 
fiercely flashing eye, leaning against the- door-way. 

Without a look at the American he pressed for- 
ward and demanded, in a low, stern voice : 

“My lady, was the song for him, or ” He 

paused and looked back to her startled eyes 
with a growing, wistful tenderness. “Or, Lady 
Theresa, was it meant for me?” 

For an instant, Aubrey was sure that the woman 
quailed, and was shaken by some inward spasm, 
but the next, he put away the fancy, for her face 
grew icy and haughty, and she answered proudly : 

“ It was for him. Herr von Schubert, certainly it 
was for my father’s honored and invited guest.” . 

Von Schubert bowed, and walked across the 
room, and took up his position amid the draperies 
of the window. The lady did not look that way 
again until after the baron and his son had joined 
the group and the conversation had become general, 
when Aubrey detected a swift glance, as quickly 
withdrawn, flaming, it seemed to him, with anger 
and some wild dread. Nothing, however, could ex- 
ceed her gracious condescension* to himself; but, 
somehow, the spell for him had been broken. She 
might still dazzle, but could no longer enchant. 
Nevertheless, he spent nearly the whole of the next 
day in Lady Theresa’s company, wandering here . 
and there among the picturesque beauties of the 
beautiful isle, and listening with charmed ear to her 
melodious speech. 

“How wondrously perfect is everything herel” 
he said, in a low, but earnest voice, when, from the 
topmost crag, which gave to his admiring eyes +he 
whole lovely scene around and beneath, they waited 
for the rich rose hues to gather in the purpling 
west. “ I think I shall look back upon this experi- 
ence as the one spot without a flaw. I thank you 
all so heartily for your hospitable kindness ! Lady 
Theresa, I shall love to remember Schwarzenberg!” 

She turned toward him those large, bright eyes, 
and the bitter smile with which she had been 
watching the pacing sentry below, faded off be- 


46 


A Sizvm ZZA.W. 


iieath some strong and. deep emotion which 
prompted her to cry, abruptly and passionately : 

“No, no! You will hate it, like all the rest! You 
will learn of the curse which turns beauty into dead 
ashes— its palace walls into prison bars.” 

Aubrey Dalberg stared at the lady in deep amaze- 
ment ; but before he had gained the i)ower of speech 
she had recovered her self-possession and spoke 
imperiously : 

“ Forget what I said. I believe I was out of my 
senses. See ! the crimson banners are hurrying to 
add their bright hues to the golden glories of the 
dying king of day. Watch the swiftly changing 
hues, the wondrous shaping of those shifting clouds. 
You are right. There is no other spot on earth so 
beautiful as this.” 

“It is well the Lady Theresa should believe it,” 
spoke a cool, deep voice. 

The girTs cheek crimsoned. Hastily turning, she 
spoke sharply : 

“ The Honorable Herr von Schubert is at hand. 
We might have anticipated it. No idle word at 
Schwarzenberg Heights escapes so keen an ear. My 
dear Mr. Dalberg, pray forget, when you recall our 
charming home, that it has its spy and its eaves- 
dropper.” 

“ My lady is ungracious. I was leaning here be- 
neath the tree when you and your companion came 
hither,” returned the imperturbable Yon Schubert. 

She made an impatient gesture, and dropped her 
white hand upon Aubrey’s arm. 

“Let us move on. I cannot breathe here.” 

And Aubrey accompanied her. 

“Pardon me,” he said. “I cannot help perceiving 
how disagreeable the man is. It is a marvel to me 
that your noble father tolerates his presence here.” 

Lady Theresa forced back the bitter smile and 
tried to answer indifferently. 

“ There are many marvels in the world, they tell 
me. I know that we have enough here. Some- 
. thing, you know, is due to my father’s position, and 
I assure you it is that alone which deters him from 
driving this spy from our midst. He is, besides, a 


A SIL VER BRAND. 


47 


man of great influence at court, and has found close 
favor with his royal highness, so that, for .his mas- 
ter’s sake, he commands deference, however be 
may forfeit it on his own account. Pray let us dis- 
miss him from our thoughts. Yonder is Roderich. 
I heard him giving orders for extra care for the 
horses that the midnight ride to-night may not be 
a laggard one. Is it really so important that you 
do not miss this particular time of departure?” 

Again there was that earnest, searching look that 
puzzled him so, which he had noticed in all three of 
them. Questioning secretly its meaning, he an- 
swered, carelessly: 

“Yes, oh, .yes, it is very important.” 

Her color faded. She dropped her eyes to the 
ground, and stood working her hands together 
nervously. 

“Would it work any serious harm to your happi- 
ness, or your fortune?” persisted she, “if ycm 
failed?”- 

At which he laughed lightly. 

“Nay. I think it could hardly make so serious a 
result as that. Nevertheless, "l must go. And, 
having witnessed this glorious sunset, I am ready.” 

Her face was turned now, and he did not see its 
look of intense relief. In a few moments after, the 
baron sent a servant to call them in. Then came 
another sumptuous banquet, at which Von Schubert 
appeared, as cool and imperturbable as before. 
Toward its close, naturally enough, the faces of the 
company grew pensive. 

“Who shall say whether we ever meet again?” 
said the Baron Valentin, as he took the slender 
crystal glasses from the sliver tray the butler 
brought him, a.nd fllled them, one by one, diamond- 
beaded to the brim. “ Well, this is a dreary world 
at its best. My young friend, it would comfort me 
greatly if you would promise to come hitherward 
again.” 

Aubrpiy was deeply touched, and his own heart 
saddened beneath the thought. Never again to be- 
held those grand old walls— the generous, hospitable 
host, the brilliant daughter— the brave and gallant 


48 


A SILVER BRAND, 


Roderich. The very remembrance came like an icy 
blast to a July blossoming. 

“ I should only be too thankful to believe it like- 
ly,” responded he. 

“ Here, then, let us pledge to the hope of renewed 
acquaintance, and brighter fortune,” said the baron. 

All rose, and all slowly drank the wine, all but 
Von Schubert, who, by some oversight, had not 
been furnished with a glass. The butler hastened 
to remedy the mistake, but the gentleman, seeming 
not at all disturbed, waved him back. Then there 
was a general movement from the room. Lady 
Theresa, however, laid a detaining hand upon 
Aubrey’s arm. 

“Stay!” said she; “I want you to respond to a 
toast of mine. You alone. Drink with me. Con- 
fusion to the spy!’” 

How her eye glittered, but if Aubrey had paused 
to notice, he would have seen that her cheek was 
deadly pale, and thatTier hand shook as she herself 
filled his glass and presented the tiny bubble of 
emerald tint to his hand. 

He drained it at a breath, laughing gayly as he 
set it down. And they both passed out and reached 
the drawing-room almost as soon as the others. 
The baron came forward to brush a fallen rose leaf 
from her dress. 

“It is done!” whispered she, scarcely above her 
breath. 

He gave her hand one quick, convulsive pressure, 
and flitted back to Roderich, with whom he ex- 
changed a single meaning glance. 

The latter sauntered to. the window, looked out 
for a few moments into the gloaming, then turned 
round : 

“By my faith, I had forgotten my promise to 
Stephano. I told him I would bring Mr. Dalberg 
to the poor fellow’s bedside, that at least he might 
receive an introduction. There is half an hour yet. 
What say you, my friend, shall we go?” 

“By all means,” returned Dalberg, courteously. 
Von Schubert looked on carelessly till Theresa 


A sizvji'ji bhand. 


49 


took up her guitar, when he came a step nearer to 
her chair. 

“I will accompany you also,” said the baron, and 
the three gentlemen mounted the grand staircase, 
Aubrey, somewhat puzzled to find that he , could 
scarcely lift his feet, and that a strange drowsiness 
was creeping over his eyelids. 

Half an hour after, possibly a few moments be- 
yond, three gentlemen came down stairs again. 

“We are a little late. The horses, I see, are wait- 
ing,” said Koderich, in a loud and hurried voice. 
“Make your adieu quickly, Dalberg.” 

“He has spoken his to me,” said Lady Theresa. 
“Let me keep those last words for our parting 
speech, Mr. Dalberg. I will sing you mine.” 

And she touched her lily fingers to the strings, 
and broke into a fierce, high lament, full of wild 
pathos and passion. 

Dalberg moved his hand in farewell to Yon Schu- 
bert, shook the baron's hand warmly, flung some 
silver to the waiting servants, hurried down the 
steps, leaped into the saddle, and in another mo- 
ment the two horsemen were cantering down the 
avenue in the moonlight. 

Von Schubert followed to the door and watched 
them off. One of the sentries stepped forward and 
presented arms. 

“Is it all right, your honor? Shall we let them go 
unmolested” he questioned. 

“All right,” replied Yon Schubert, still leaning 
there and following the receding figures. But, as 
the man returned to his beat, he passed his hand 
slowly across his forehead, and muttered : 

“ All wrong, rather ! I think I am losing my wits. 
I thought I scented a plot, but I have lost it entirely. 
The American has come and gone. I have kept 
close and secret watch over every word he has 
spoken with them, or they with him, and there was 
no treason, or commissions given. My agents will 
look after them in the city. But something in that 
girl’s eye tells me I have been outwitted.” 

He went back slowly and sullenly. The Baron 
Valentin was sitting at the window, with a grave, 


50 


A SILVER BRAND, 


tired look on his face, and his hands crossed list- 
lessly upon his knees. His daughter was still sing- 
ing, but the wail of the parting hymn had changed 
into a glad peal of triumph. 

Von Schubert bit his lip angrily as he looked at 
her. 

“Well,” said she, a certain nervous excitement 
lending a sharper tone to her voice; “this act is 
over, most noble Yon Schubert. I suppose we ought 
to thank you that you have permitted us to play it 
out. You can lock up the stage properties again, 
and turn down the lights.” 

While she spoke, she unfastened the costly 
Sell war zenberg jewels from her forehead, bared 
her arms, her fingers, fiung them all into a glitter- 
ing heap, made a mocking courtesy, and swept 
away. 

“You are cruel, and wantonly so,” returned Von 
Schubert, fiercely. “ You know that you might wear 
what you please every day of your life, were it not 
that I am responsible to my royal master.” 

Her bitter laugh floated back again for sole reply. 

“And my prison life begins again!” said the 
baron, gloomily. “Perhaps you are right. Von 
Schubert; perhaps you are bound to obey your 
master’s commands, and do not know how to do it 
gently. I confess I have believed it a congenial 
task ; but it may be I am wrong. One is not apt to 
love the hand that bars the door of liberty, though 
it be only a hireling’s. Let it pass. My poor 
Stephano waits me in his sick-chamber.” 

Von Schubert summoned a servant. The jewels 
were carefully restored to their casket, and the 
latter placed where the massive family silver 
brought forth for the banquet was already being 
stowed. The grim iron keys were given into Von 
Schubert’s keeping. He shut his lips together 
fiercely, as he took them, and strode away, mutter- 
ing : 

“This task of mine grows irksome and fretting. 
I hated the baron with a deadly hatred, but it melts 
before this wild, nlad love which his daughter has 


A SILVEH BliAND, 51 

roused. It shall not be. I will not fail of one tittle 
of my trust.” 

Aiid he stretched out his hand and struck fiercely, 
as at some visible opposing force. 

“She has gone to the sick Stephano,” he muttered 
again. “ Better so. As she said, the play is ended, 
and the American gone. Thank Heaven for that !” 

If he could have seen into Stephano’s chamber, 
where at that moment Baron Valentin and his 
beautiful daughter met, with white, scared, and 
yet triumphant faces! For there, upon Stephano’s 
couch lay a pale figure, motionless but for the long 
deep breathing of a trance — the work of a powerful 
drug — and it was not Stephano’s face that rested on 
the pillow, but that of Aubrey Dalberg!” 


CHAPTER V. 

BUT ONE LAST CHANCE. 

The clouds shrouded the pleasant sunshine, and 
it was a cold, gray sky which looke'd down into 
those luminous blue eyes, as the prisoner paced to 
and fro along the despoiled roof, something like a 
month after the visit which had wrought such deso- 
lation to the mid-air garden. She was deadly pale 
still, but her eye burned with even brighter luster, 
and her graceful form had not bowed nor pined. 

“ It passes my belief,” whispered Seippel to Lisbet, 
his wife. “I thought it was tending the plants and 
the pleasure she had with the flowers that kept ‘my 
lady’ alive, and prevented her going crazed with 
her trouble.” 

“ Ah ! but it is a wonderful deal of spirit she has, 
Seippel. What a proud woman she must be, and 
how strong!” answered Lisbet, rocking herself 
drearily to and fro. “I’m sure I’ve often liked to 
lose my own wits with the lonesomeness and 
horrors here. Oh! what must it be for her? Poor 
soul ’ my heart almost died inside mv breast the 
other day when she went down on her knees to me, 
and asked me if I had a woman’s heart in me, to 


52 


A SILVM BRAND. 


help her escape. Oh! it made me sick to turn 
away. Seippel, Seippel! what will be done to us 
for helping in this thing?” 

“You know, Lisbet, I’m sore enough about it 
without your harrowing my mind over it. And you 
know it isn’t the pay, nor the fear even of such a 
powerful man, that hinders my lending help to the 
poor, persecuted creature,” returned Seippel, in a 
grumbling, reproachful voice. 

“Yes, I know,” replied the woman, flinging her 
apron over her face and moaning. “I know it — woe 
is me, I know it too well ! He holds our boy’s life 
in his hands. Our Konrad would be shot for a de- 
serter the moment we failed of this horrible trust. 
But, oh! I think the poor lady’s bright, agonized 
eyes will haunt me to my grave. He is a terrible 
man. Oh ! Seippel, what will beconge of the country 
when he is king?”- 

She dropped her voice to a whisper, and even then 
looked around shrinkingly, as if fearing the very 
walls would repeat her words. 

“The Lord only knows,” sighed Seippel. 

“And the Lord only can prevent,” added Lisbet, 
looking upward. 

“You might go up and sit with her a little, Lisbet. 
Oh ! it was a sore stroke to take away the flowers. 
Foolish and worthless things they may seem to us, 
but it was plain she made all her joy out of them. 
What a hard heart he has ! It made me cringe to 
see the jeering look he gave her, standing there 
with all the pretty beds dug up and the vines torn 
down.” 

“ And the cruciflx, too. Only think of the sacri- 
lege!” echoed Lisbet. “Poor Hans’ teeth chattered 
half that night for fear something would come to 
punish us all for such a thing. Oh ! dear, I don’t 
want to go. What can I say or do? Kota single 
word of comfort ! And she would rather have her 
own thoughts. I hope the book you left took up her 
mind. Don’t ask me to go, Seippel, for she will fall 
to begging my help. I had almost a mind to tell 
her why we couldn’t. But I was afraid in some of 
her angry talk to him she might let it out. How 


A SILVER BRAND. S3 

she will talk to him ! Ah ! she has a wonderful 
spirit.” 

“Hark!” exclaimed Seippel, starting to his feet. 
“There is the horn. He is coming again. Alack, 
alack! poor lady, what next must she bear?” 

Lisbet sprang up also, looking about the room 
nervously. Without they heard Hans’ clumsy foot- 
steps crossing the paved court-yard in equal trepi- 
dation. 

Up above,, upon the roof, where the hapless pris- 
oner still chose to spend the most of her time, the 
sound of the horn came likewise and gave its warn- 
ing. But there was no craven fear upon that pallid, 
spirited face. 

“ I am glad for once that the tyrant and villain is 
at hand,” she murmured. “How, I shall solve the 
few doubts I cherish. I will learn his plans thor- 
oughly, and then — and then.” The silvery voice 
deepened with a solemn thrill. “Then, skies, you 
must open me a miraculous flight; or earth, you 
must rise in earthquake throes to take me down ! 
There is a must to all things, and desperate as it 
may be, I must And the way for my estjape !” 

She paused and looked over to; the rapidly- 
approaching horsemen, three in number, and smiled 
proudly and haughtily. 

“ He comes expecting me to cower at his feet. He 
thinks these four weeks alone without my flowers 
have broken my spirit. He hopes to And me weak, 
worn, wasted, an abject slave. Ah, he does not 
know the indomitable spirit in this weak body. If 
there were nothing else my hatred of him would 
feed my energies and keep me alive and strong. 
He could not wring from me the hiding-place of 
those papers, though he kept me upon the rack 
these fifteen years that have gone like a horrible 
nightmare. He could not win my consent to be- 
come his queen though the proudest throne^ in the 
wide world claimed him for its lord. It is some- 
thing of triumph for me to make him see and feel it.” 

She swept across to the chair which stood un- 
sheltered where the lovely bower had been, seated 
herself, carefully smoothing out the folds of the 


54 


A SILVER RRAKD. 


long, black robe, and clasping the ebony cross which 
was suspended from her neck by a jet rosary in her 
slender white fingers, she assumed with wonderful 
power a calm, composed smile, and waited for the 
summons she knew would come. 

“ My lady, his royal highness desires your pres- 
ence below,” spoke Seippel, faintly. 

“Tell him I am enjoying the broad and boundless 
prospect of the changing sky above me, and can 
desire no better employment,” returned she, care- 
lessly. 

The slighted visitor was waiting below. He gave 
an angry exclamation as the message was delivered. 

“ What, untamed yet ! Do you mean that she has 
found some other pleasure to console her for the 
loss of the garden?” he demanded of Seippel, sharp- 
ly. “Has she been in good spirits, enjoyed her 
food, and kept up her obstinacy?” 

“ Indeed, your royal highness, I have seen little 
change. Where she was wont to be tending the 
fiowers, now she stands and looks up curiously and 
wonderingly to the shifting clouds.” 

“Incomprehensible!” muttered the august visitor, 
playing nervously with the mask which he had 
thrown upon the table. * “ The woman’s nerves are 
made of steel. Do you know if she disturbed at all 
the package of tetters I left with her. Speak, dolt I 
and not stand mumbling.” 

Poor SeippeTs eyes fell beneath that ireful glance, 
and his knees trembled. 

“ I cannot tell more than this, your highness. I 
found her in a dead faint that night you left, and 
the papers were scattered around her.” 

The evil eye glittered with savage joy. 

“I thought so. I have found the vulnerable spot 
at last. This is but an attempt to keep up a show 
of bravado,” he muttered. “ Well, since the mount- 
ain will not come to me I will condescend to go to 
it.” 

And, with an exulting belief in his speedy tri- 
umph, he mounted the rude stair- way and came out 
upon the dreary, despoiled^ roof, where the Lady 
Pauline sat with the regal air of a queen upon her 


A SIZVHH BRAND. 


55 


throne. The graceful head never stirred from its 
stately poise, the calm eyes kept their quiet, watch 
of the somber, shifting clouds. 

“ Good-day again, my lady. It seems I find you in 
good health and spirits. Ready, I trust, for a 
rational consultation, and a graceful acquiescence 
to the proposals which are still open to you.” 

She turned her head slowly, and looked at him 
with those glittering blue eyes full of superb scorn. 

“ If you have anything to say, I can listen, I sup- 
pose, but it seems unlikely that it can be of any 
importance to me.” 

It angered him almost beyond endurance that he 
could not move her from that scornful composure. 
He knit his forehead, and gnawed impatiently at 
his lip before he said, with a sarcastic accompany- 
ing laugh : 

“ I hardly supposed your ladyship was so securely 
intrenched. You are satisfied with your happy 
position, your luxurious castle, your unbounded 
privileges, it seems. You do not miss even the 
fiowers. Happy stoic!” 

“You are furious because you do mot find me 
heart-broken and abject. Man, man, will you never 
learn that your poor spite has no power to kill — that 
your cowardly cruelties fail of their deepest intent? 
You destroyed my fiowers, but the sky is left above 
me, and my own innocence and integrity fill and 
console and comfort my heart. These are beyond 
your reach!” she answered, proudly. “Go, leave 
me in a happier kingdom than you will ever know.” 

“Perverse creature! will you never be taught 
prudence and wisdom? Do you mean that there is 
no happiness in my power to grant you?” he asked, 
fiercely. 

“ In your power — but not in your will. It is so 
useless to ask it, that I do not waste a thought 
upon it,” she returned, calmly. 

“You have read the letters,” he said, abruptly ; 
“have you no word to say in regard to the girl? I 
have brought the picture again. Perhaps this time 
you will condescend to ask for it.” 

He took a painted oval of ivory from his pocket 


66 


A jSIZV£:B ZBA2W. 


as he spoke. She turned her face away with a swift 
movement, and for a moment there was a desperate 
struggle for calmness on the quivering features. 
The voice was a little husky, and thus did not fully 
betray the hungry longing that was in it as she 
stretched out her hand, and said : 

“Yes. I will look at it. That much I will accept 
from you.” 

He smiled bitterly, and seemed about to refuse, 
but some second thought made him drop the minia- 
ture into the delicate outstretched hand. 

She brought it slowly within range of her vision, 
shading with her other hand her averted face from 
his observation. 

Brutal and pitiless as his nature was, he was a 
little awed by her manner, and refrained from 
gratifying his curiosity by a change of position. 

At first, the delicate penciling and soft tints 
swam in a dizzy haze before her, but in a few mo- 
ments the mists cleared and the lady looked down 
into the sweet, innocent, fascinating face depicted 
there, with yearning, devouring eyes. Sha forgot, 
for once, the gloating tyrant’s presence. 

A deep, passionate sob shook her frame, a tender, 
holy joy flashed into her eyes, ruffled her lips into 
softened smiles. 

“Oh, my own, my own!” she exclaimed. 

“You acknowledge the truth then? I expected 
you would accuse me of imposition in the matter. 
So that path is clear. I think, myself, any one 
would be insane to deny the likeness,” exclaimed 
the prince, exultantly. 

Lady Pauline started as if a bombshell had ex- 
ploded, and turned to him with a shudder. 

“You are here still! Oh, I forgot. I forgot any- 
thing so foul and deadly could help slinking away 
before the semblance of such innocence and purity!” 

“Yes, she looks like innocence itself,” he an- 
swered, mockingly; “and they assure me that she 
is everything pure, and refined, and dainty. She 
has been fed on high ideal notions, and has a spirit, 
sensitive and high-strung. How think you she will 


A SILVER BRAEI), 57 

enjoy reigning as the mistress in the Von Schrodter 
halls?” 

“Von Schrodter!” repeated the lady’s ashy lips, 
what has she to do with that evil, brutal race who 
have always disgraced the lowest scene they en- 
tered? What has she in common with the enemies 
of her father’s house?” 

“I forget that you have been secluded from a 
knowledge of the world's movements, fair lady. It 
is right I should give you information. The Von 
Schrodter’s have managed to win my royal father’s 
favor — through the growing weakness of age and 
mental debility, you will say ; but quite as much, I 
assure you, through my quiet influence and skillful 
plotting. Sebastian, the present heir, is a sad dog, 
I admit. He carries the family vices with a higher 
hand than has ever before been seen. But there is 
a dash about him, and an imperious willfulness, not 
to call it temper, that few dare to withstand. So he 
goes where he will. I won’t swear but that it might 
be different were the old Schwarzenberg family 
represented at the court. But they, you know, are 
in disgrace. So you remember the' oath I took 
fifteen years and more ago? I swore their ruin and 
disgrace — root and branch! Well, it looks like it 
certainly.” 

And here he laughed long and fiercely. 

The lady clasped her cold hands across the pict- 
ure, and looked at him with wide, distended, horri- 
fied eyes. 

“Are you human? It seems to me no mother’s 
milk ever nourished a thing so fiendish,” she gasped. 

But he only laughed the louder. 

“ I am a king’s son. What more is needed ! And 
the king is old and feeble. The flickering light of 
his life may go out any moment — and I am the 
throne’s heir.” 

“Heaven help the poor distracted land then!” 
'ejaculated Lady Pauline, solemnly. 

“ But to go back to the interesting topic under 
discussion. I wanted just such a husband for this 
fair young maiden, my ward, you understand. 
Sebastian Schrodter even exceeds my desires. If I 


58 


A SILVER BRAND. 


had time I would detail some of his gallant exploits. 
How many homes he has despoiled, how many duels 
fought. What depths into the liquor chest he can 
go at a single carousal. What ill-luck it is fcr any 
churl to come in his way when once stimulated by 
the brandy he tosses off as freely as water. It is 
an admirable list of favorable qualities for any pur- 
pose, if I had time to tell them all. Well, I have 
already the king’s permission to marry the ward I 
have kept so secretly that no one out of my confi- 
dence dreams of her existence, to marry her before 
she is introduced at ouurt, and Sebastian Schrodter 
will be the happy bridegroom.” 

The lady sprang up, quivered a moment, and then 
fell down at his feet, raining hot tears and catching 
tempestuous sobs. 

“ Oh, I am conquered, I am conquered ! For her 
sake I will supplicate. You are — you must have a 
spark of humanity in your heart. Hear me ! Fore- 
go this, spare the innocent heart, the high soul re- 
vealed by that angelic face — give not this pure girl 
to such an evil wretch. Send her to me, and let us 
die here in solitude together, foregoing rank, for- 
tune, an honored name. And I will forget all other 
wrongs, I \/ili forgive you. I will even thank you.” 

The words came as if they were choking her. 
The long, stern calm hitherto imposed with his 
presence once broken up, it .seemed that she had 
lost all control, and she wrung her hands, and 
shuddered, and wept hot fioods of scalding tears, 
and implored* pitifully. 

“ Hear me ! Oh, hear me !” 

He watched it all with a pitiless smile, a triumph- 
ant eye. 

“At last!” he cried, exultantly. “I knew I could 
reach you at last. So you condescend to implore 
my mercy, you who all these, years have disdained 
to speak a single civil word to me. Very well, fair 
lady; you know my terms. You will reveal the 
hiding-place of those papers, and you will accept 
my suit?” 

She sprang to her feet, strengthened again by her 
indignation. 


A SlZV^Ji BBANJ). 


59 

‘^Monster! Oh, horrible, horrible monster ! I was 
mad, indeed, to think, anything could move your 
flinty heart. You knew before you asked that those 
conditions were both impossible. Not even to spare 
the living will I so infamously wrong the noble 
dead. Away ! I am fitly punished I I will suppli- 
cate only for Heaven’s help!” she cried, wildly. 

How those blue eyes blazed; what fiery wrath 
flashed across them. Whiter tier face could not 
have been had it been dead. 

Even this hardened sinner quailed for a moment 
in her presence. 

‘‘Lady Pauline,” he faltered, “your trials have 
turned your brain. It is not so terrible a thing I 
ask.” 

She waved him back sternly. 

“Get thee behind me, Satan.! I will not speak 
another word in your presence!” 

And the white lips closed, shut together with a 
look on them that seemed to defy even brute force 
to unlock their seal. 

With muttered curses the prince withdrew, glanc- 
ing apprehensively toward the darkening sky. 

“I have no time longer, even for the sake of 
torturing her. I must be back by ten in the even- 
ing, for the court feU, and if the weather lowers it 
will require hard riding to do it. The king must not 
miss me nor that cursed spying minister suspe ct my 
visits here.” 

He hurried down the stairs, growled out a few 
angry directions to Seippel, resumed the black cloak 
and the mask he always wore upon these secret 
visits, called the ruffian attendants who journeyed 
on such deeds always by his side, armed to the teeth 
to defend him against the constantly feared and 
well-deserved assassination this coward heart 
dreaded, and in an hour was gone. 

The Lady Pauline stood on the roof, with the 
miniature in her hand, and both arms stretched 
heavenward. 

“Oh, merciful and all-powerful, hear me! help 
me! Only from Heaven can help come!” 

While she stood thus, with those wild, agonized, 


A iilLVER BE AND, 


beseeching eyes searching the gray clouds, she be- 
came aware of a black speck sailing slowly from 
out the clouds, it seemed. In her wrapt, intensely 
strained mood , she was ready for anything, even a 
miraculous intervention. 

“What is it — a bird sailing hitherward? Oh, I will 
trust myself !;o this fecidess wing. Anything — any- 
thing — no matter how desperate!” she murmured, 
and scarcely breathed, while the speck broadened, 
deepened, and came surely nearer. 

Suddenly she clasped both hands with a low sob 
of ecstasy. 

“ I know, I know I Seippel was telling his wife last 
week about the eccentric aeronaut who is experi- 
menting with balloons in the neighboring town. 
Mother of mercy send him within call of my voice — 
within signaling view ! ” 

And then she fell on her knees, and remained 
thus with head thrown back, and wrapt eyes never 
leaving a moment the black sailing object. 

Half an hour’s time solved her doubts. It was the 
balloon certainly. She saw it now, distinctly, made 
out the form of the little car hanging on the gay- 
colored globe, could count the flags, even. 

She sprang to her feet, ran hastily to the trap- 
door, closed it, and shot the strong bolt into the 
socket. 

Then she seized the white scarf that had been 
wound about her head, and waved it franticallv, 
but without an audible cry. Blessed fortune that 
kept Seippel and his wife two stories below her ! 
that made sure, no shouting crowds would draw 
their attention. 

She was fairly wild with the dawning' of hope ; 
she was deadly sick with the fear of disappoint- 
ment. 

Nearer and nearer it sailed, majestic indeed as a 
gliding ship upon the ocean of ether. Now it w^as 
overhead, and so close she could see the aeronaut 
bending down curiously and looking at her. 

She stretched out her arms imploringly. She 
made frantic gestures. She went through an elo- 
quent pantomine to express her desires. The teare 


A SIZVm BRAND, 


61 


poured down her cheeks, the wild sobs shook her 
frame. A deadly despair crept coldly over her. He 
did not comprehend, or he would not heed her. The 
balloon was going — going fast. 

There was but one last chance. 

She sprang into the chair, stretched up her hands,, 
and cried shrilly : 

“Wait, oh wait! Come and save me!” 

Still it seemed sweeping on. The upraised arms 
fell stiffly, a groan of heart-rent despair burst from 
her overladen breast. Once again she fell down 
senseless. 

But this time Seippel did not find her, for the 
bolted door precluded his approach. She revived, 
however, slowly and feebly, and was able presently 
to sit up, and stare around her. The balloon was 
but a speck again on the other side. 

Her bitter tears relieved the fierce pain at her 
throat. 

“A little longer,” she. murmured, “a little longer 
will I trust in Heaven’s mercy, but oh, if seems as 
if the skies also were deaf to my cry and insensible 
to my misery.” 

If she could only have looked into the aeronaut’s 
home that evening and listened while he said to his 
wife: 

“I saw a strange sight to-day, fraulein. You 
know the gray, gloomy house in the cleared hollow 
in the midst of the forest? I sailed over it to-day, 
and there was a woman on the roof, a woman white 
and beautiful as the marble Madonna at the cathe- 
dral. She seemed wildly agitated, and appeared to 
implore my help. I could not descend, and I don’t 
think I made her hear, but her sweet, silvery voice 
still rings in my ear. She called, ‘Wait, oh wait! 
Come and save me!’ She looked unhappy enough. 
The next time I will be ready to descend and see 
what it means.” 


62 


A SILVER BRAND. 


CHAPTER VI. 

I WISH YOU HAD STAID AT HOME.” 

Rock House was in consternation, and the Foss 
family had retired to the library, for the eleventh 
time, to a consultation which ended, as the pre- 
vious discussions had done, in a hopeless dismay. 

“I’m sure I don’t know what to do with her,” ex- 
claimed even Theodosia, the invincible. “It will 
never do to let her go ill. But how dare we disobey 
such a serious charge as that letter contained?” 

“ Have you reasoned with her in every possible 
way?” asked Paul, ruefully. “You women ought to 
understand a girl’s whim.” 

“I’ve talked, and she listens respectfully enough,” 
responded Theodosia, “but when I get through, she 
just puts up her handkerchief and cries again, sob- 
bing, ‘I don’t want to be a prisoner. If jmu want 
me to die, you will keep me shut up in this way.’ 
And I can’t make anything else out of her.” 

“She has grown so >pale,” whimpered Rhoda; 
“ don’t you see how her beautiful color has faded 
out? When I was helping her paint the mosses to- 
day, her hand trembled with nothing but weak- 
ness.” 

“You give her air enough. She sits at the open 
window, don’t she?” questioned Urbanus, wrinkling 
his forehead into a tangled knot, in his perplexed 
thought. 

“Certainly,” responded Theodosia, in her quick, 
decisive way. “Air and sun enough, plenty. And 
I’ve given up requiring too much time to be de- 
voted to her lessons. 1 confess I was rather too 
zealous at first. I was forcing her mind too much. 
But I have remedied all that. Yet still she pines, 
and grows pale, and weeps half her time. It doesn’t 
seem as if it could be all grieving juSt for freedom 
to wander about this dreary old island.” 

“Yet the eagle and the dove alike chafe against 


A SILVER BRAND. 


63 


prison bars,” spoke up Penelope, in that deep, 
always sorrowful voice of hers. “I really .think, 
Paul, it is nothing else ails the child but the cutting 
off of her wild rambles among the rocks in the pure^ 
invigorating air.” 

“Have you encouraged her in it?” demanded 
Theodosia, turning around quickly. “I know very 
well you have helped her to the only drawback to 
her fine character. You have fostered that sickly 
sentimentality that I detest.” 

“Hay,” returned Penelope, in a low and half- 
stifled voice. “ Do not be unjust to me, Theodosia. 
Heaven knows I would lose the last drop of my 
heart’s blood before I would do aught to harm or 
trouble Lina. I have been tenderer than the rest of 
you, it may be, perhaps not wisely, but it was be- 
cause I saw the deep yearning of her affectionate 
nature for loving words and fond caresses. We are 
not all alike, Theodosia. The child pines now, you 
see, in a way that mystifies your colder, sterner 
nature. But I understand it, I think. We must 
give her back her freedom. Ho wonder she is dull, 
and weary in this silent house, among such staid, 
grave people. Let her warm her own at nature’s 
heart. Hature which is alway young.” 

Theodosia flung out her hand in an impatient 
movemnt. 

“ Is it to such an absurd and dreamy life her high 
destiny calls her? I tell you this very sentimentality 
and nonsense will be her worst enemy. I have no 
patience with you, Penelope. One would think your 
own experience might have taught you wisdom. 
What are reason, and firmness, and decision given 
us for but to rule and guide our minds from such 
folly and weakness?” 

The sallow cheek of Penelope had taken a red 
flush, whether of anger or shame could not be told, 
but her voice was meek, though weary. 

“It is idle for us to argue, Theodosia. We were 
made differently. I do not say but you are wiser 
and better than I. I never said that, in my wildest 
moments. But I only declare that I understand, 


64 


A SILVER RRAKE, 


and therefore sympathize, with Lina’s moods that 
are so incomprehensible to you.” 

“There is something in it, Theodosia,” spoke up 
Paul, calmly. “You have had a fair trial, and 
Penelope yielded unmurmuringly to your desire that 
she should not interfere at all with the girl. We 
have left Lina to your management, and she has 
grown worse. Rhoda has also tried, and failed. 
Urbanus and I have endeavored to coax and reason 
with her, but without impression. I say it is but 
right and fair that Penelope should try her way. 
You must send her in to Lina.” 

“To encourage her dreamy folly,” returned Theo- 
dosia, indignantly. “I must say I wonder at you, 
Paul. Do you mean, that if Penelope says so, Lina 
is to resume her free rambles over the island, in 
defiance of that warning?” 

“We have not seen the slightest sign of danger. 
We know very well these simple people here would 
aid us in resisting any attempt to snatch her away. 
Indeed, it seems absurd to suspect any danger here. 
But one of us could follow every step she made, 
without seeming to be on the watch,” continued 
Penelope, eagerly. “Is not that better than to see 
her sweet face pale and weary, and to watch her 
gentle temper growing irritable and morbid?” 

“Have you talked with her to-day?” asked Paul. 

Penelope smiled wistfully, and there was a hungry 
pathos in her voice. 

“Nay, my brother Paul. T have not looked upon 
her face for a whole week.” 

“Theodosia, that was cruel and unkind in you,” 
exclaimed Paul. 

“Penelope has a way of weakening my infiuence 
by a single look,” returned Theodosia, dryly. “I 
asked her to stay away from Lina for that reason. 
I know very well you all think I am cold and hard. 
Very well— it does not disturb me; for I myself 
know that I scorn to turn aside from duty for any 
weakness of the fiesh. The rest of you are eager to 
pet the child; you have left all the correction to 
me. Some time she will be wise enough to see which 
is the true kindness and the best friend.” 


A S1LV£!R RRAND. 


cs 

Penelope had risen from her seat. She crossed 
the room with slow steps, trying to hide the. eager- 
ness which sent a tremulous quiver to her pulse and 
a hot flush to her cheek. 

“You meant for me to go, Paul? You are willing, 
Theodosia?” she faltered, when she laid her hand on 
the door knob. 

They both responded yes, and Penelope hurried 
out, closing the door behind her with a low gasp of 
relief. 

She crossed the narrow entry with swift steps, 
and then noiselessly unclosed the door, which gave 
her a view of the graceful figure which was curled 
up in the great, white easy-chair. The fair head 
was drooping, the starry eyes downcast, the red lips 
curved downward wearily, the whole attitude that 
of hopeless dejection. 

“My little Lina!” spoke Penelope, the deep voice 
growing rich with thrilling tenderness. 

“ Oh, dear Auntie Pen ! Have they let you come?” 
cried out the girl, springing up and coming to meet 
her with bounding steps. 

Penelope gathered the graceful young form into 
her yearning arms, and sat down with it in the 
great chair. ' 

“ Lina, little one, it is a whole week since I have 
seen you,” she murmured. “Have you dreamed 
how long and weary it has been for me?” 

“I should think I might,” returned Lina, with 
spirit. “I have been dull enough to count the 
seconds. I have longed so for you ; but I didn’t 
ask — I knew very well Aunt Theodosia meant it as 
part of my punishment that I shouldn’t see you, 
and I didn’t mean she should see how it tried me. 
Oh, Auntie Pen, I’m so glad to see you ! There’s a 
heart in you, and your love is true and living!” 

And the dewy-red lips showered their loving kisses 
over the faded sallow face which bloomed and 
glowed under the tender light that shone from the 
dark eyes until it was really handsome. 

But while she held the little hands and stroked 
tenderly the restless fingers, Penelope said ; 


A SIZVUJi 


ce 

‘‘ISTay, my Lina, you must not be unjust. They 
all love you, every one of them love you.” 

But the pretty head gave a willful shake. 

“It is a very proper love, such as the head sanc- 
tions, Auntie Pen ; but, yours — yours is true, living 
love, bubbling right out of the heart. I should have 
starved but for you. Auntie Pen. Aunt Theodosia 
would say I was talking nonsense, but I am not — it 
is the truth.” 

Penelope* choked back the sob that rose to her 
throat, but she could not dry away the dew of tears 
that flooded her eyes. 

She bent down to kiss the fair, smooth forehead. 

“Yes, it is the truth, Lina — Heaven knows it is 
the truth.” 

“Will you tell me. Auntie Pen, what this new 
movement means. Do you know I am to be locked 
up in this dreary old house — that I am to have no 
more rambles on the rocks, no more lonely strolls 
on the beach, no more pleasant little snatches of 
talk with the flshermen and their children? Worst 
of all, I cannot go to Nat's cottage, nor meet my 
darling Pena! Auntie Pen, tell me what they 
mean? Do they intend to make a fossil of me? I 
tell you it was dreary and intolerable enough be- 
fore, but this will kill me ! 

The words came swiftly, and with passionate em- 
phatic emphasis ; the eyes flashed, the slender frame 
quivered, the little hands worked tremulously. 

“Dear child, it is done in well-meaning. The case 
is peculiar. Do not speak so , bitterly, as if it were 
wanton cruelty on their part,” returned Penelope, 
evidently deeply distressed by this appeal. 

“But it is cruel, nevertheless,” retorted Lina. 
“Why am I so surrounded with mystery? It is 
cruel— yes, even in you. Auntie Pen— to conceal the 
truth, whatever it may be!” 

“I— cruel?” stammered Penelope. “Oh, my lamb, 
don't say it, for it ^tabs worse than a sword. Ah, 
heavens 1 because it is true 1 Lina, Lina, I own it ! 
I have been cruel, wickedly cruel, to you ; and vet 
I would die this moment to save you from sorrow or 
danger. Oh! for my great love's sake, say that 


A SILVEB BRAND, 


67 


you forgive me! This once, let me hear you say it, 
Lina!” 

She was pale as ashes; her whole frame' quivered 
beneath the inward agony. The girl half-shrank 
away, terrified at such vehemence of passion. 

“Auntie Pen,” she stammered, “you frighten me. 
I don’t understand you.” 

Penelope drew a long breath, as if gathering up 
strength to conquer herself. She smiled slowly, 
and drearily. 

“No, you do not understand me, poor child— how 
should you— bi?t you love me and you will try to 
forgive me?” 

“I didn’t mean that it was you!” cried Lina, re- 
morsefully, with a warm gush of tears. “ I don’t 
blame you. Auntie Pen.” 

She was strained close and hard against Penelope’s 
breast. 

“My darling! my precious! try not to! because it 
hurts me so ; and yet I confess that I deserve it — 
deserve the worst you can say.” 

And then she turned her head,- and looked off, far 
off, to the line where sea and sky blended in a misty 
cloud. Lina watched her silently. She had grown 
familiar with the look, and knew that it meant one 
of Penelope’s deepest moods of abstraction. What 
would not the young girl liave given for the power 
to look within that busy brain, and follow it wan- 
dering into the unknown life which it lived alone ! 

She waited as patiently as she might, but finally 
gave a restless sigh, and nestled closer, calling just 
in the tone she would have used had her friend been 
in the next room. 

“ Auntie Pen ! Auntie Pen !” 

And with a long-drawn gasp, Penelope came back 
to her. 

“Well, Lina?” 

“What is to be done? Will they let me go to 
walk?” 

“I think so, with me for company.” 

Despite her desire to the contrary, Lina’s ingenu- 
ous countenance fell, 


68 


A SILV£:ii BUAND, 


“What, my pet, will my presence prove such a 
drawback?” asked Penelope, sorrowfully. 

“No — oh, no ; only I must go to NaPs. He is home* 
again. Uncle Urbanus says; and I so long to see- 
him, and to hear of the new wonders he has discov- 
ered, and to admire the fresh specimens he has 
found. He is so bright and entertaining I love 
dearly to hear him talk.” 

“Well, Lina, and why will any of this be spoiled! 
by my presence?” 

“It wouldn’t for me — don’t think it would. Auntie- 
Pen. I’m not such a wicked, ungrateful thing as 
that; but old Nat is ne'j^er the same when any of 
you are around. I can’t explain it, but I can see it 
readily enough. He is like another creature when: 
Rena and I are there alone.” 

Penelope gave a little start. 

“Old Nat!” she muttered. “What if— but, no; it; 
is impossible — utterly impossible !” 

“What is impossible. Auntie Pen? Hardly any- 
thing, I should say, with dear old Nat. He can ac- 
complish marvels. Is there anything you want 
him to do?” 

Penelope shook her head. 

“ But I think you and I will pay him a visit, Lina. 

I am quite sure they will not let you go without one 
of us; and unless you prefer Theodosia ” 

Here there was a little twinkle in the speaker’s 
eye, at which Lina laughed merrily, and then 
stopped her mouth with kisses. 

The silvery peal of laughter echoed across the 
little entry-way to the waiting group, upon which 
all but Theodosia smiled broadly. 

“ There now ! Penelope has cheered her already I” 
exclaimed Paul. “I tell you, Theodosia, you must 
allow Penelope to have more hand in the girl’s 
management. It is something as she says. She 
understands her better than the rest of us,” 

“And if only she makes her laugh, I suppose it is 
not to be minded how she is spoiled and ruined,” 
returned Theodosia, indignantly. 

Paul’s reply was diverted by the opening door, ' 


A SILVER BRAND. 


and Penelope’s appearance. She walked up to him 
and asked hurriedly : 

“Have you any objection to my taking her down 
to the old hermit’s cabin? You know she has been 
in the habit of going there. You or Urbanus may 
follow at a safe distance, if you like.” 

“1 can’t see any harm,” returned Paul. 

“Then we will go at once.” 

Penelope turned back for her shawl and the prim 
gray sun-bonnet, and Lina came dancing out with 
her hat-ribbons flying and her curls keeping them . 
gay company. I 

Paul and Urbanus both followed, just near enough 
to keep the two figures in sight, and saw them 
safely into the hermit’s door, and then one remained 
for guard and the other strolled slowly down to the 
wharf. 

ISTat had opened the door for them. A man of tall 
figure, fine and straight', and athletic of limb, with 
long hair of soft brown just streaking with gray, 
which fell down from his chin in a patriarchal 
beard, and hung in curling locks around his neck, 
in the ancient, obsolete fashion. And yet it was 
picturesque enough. Lina believed Nat to be one 
of the handsomest men in the world. She found a 
head among her pictures representing a noble cava- 
lier of the times of Queen Bess, and declared, noble 
as it was, it could not compare with Nat’s. It was 
true enough, as she said, that he kept a particular 
manner for her benefit. No one else saw exactly 
that courtly gentleness and graceful gallantry 
which were always at this girl’s service. 

Now, as he perceived her companion, there came 
a shade of formality to cover the bright smile which 
had responded to hers. He bowed silently, and set 
Penelope a chair, and then began to gather up the 
litter upon the table— wax, and scissors, and needles, 
and a box of bright-colored silk spools. 

Lina took up the brilliant little atom upon which 
he was at work. 

“A new humming-bird! .Oh, Nat, how splendid 
he is ! He is equal to a whole set of jewels. Where 
did 70U get him?” 


70 


A JSIZKEB BBAND, 


The taxidermist told her the story. But quick- 
witted, ardent-souled Lina missed the accustomed 
spirit and enthusiasm. She gave a restless, im- 
patient glance toward her companion. 

Nat saw it, and his lip just trembled beneath a 
restrained smile. Penelope saw it also, and her 
forehead wrinkled into a little frown. She rose, 
however, and went away to the other corner of the 
room, and bent over the miniature tree set thickly 
with stuffed birds of all varieties. Then she took 
up one of the volumes lying on the table, and went 
away to the farther window, and sat down there, 
and was presently so absorbed in it as to be obliv- 
ious to all things about her. So at least Lina 
thought, and Nat himself finally decided. And 
gradually the pair forgot her presence and fell back 
into the old familiar way. 

“Lina, dear,” spoke Nat, gayly, as he opened the 
box at hand, “ I have brought you a memento of my 
last ramble. Lend -me your hat, and ITl give you 
something prettier, to my mind, than those rib- 
bons.” 

Lina pulled off the hat, watching his movements 
with shining eyes, and Nat fastened at the front a 
small twig of the coral rose-berries on which was 
perched, so delicately as to seem just poising there 
with its outspread wings, a tiny morsel of a hum- 
ming-bird glistening with as lovely colors indeed as 
if set with jewels. 

Lina, naturally enough, uttered a girPs cry of 
transport. Penelope must indeed have been lost in 
her book, for she never turned her eyes. 

“For me? Oh, Nat, that exquisite little creature! 
How charming it looks I Who but you would ever 
have thought of such a lovely ornament.” 

“Nay. I don’t claim the originating it, my child. 
I saw a city miss sporting -a great awkward gull, 
and straightway I understood how becoming a 
humming-bird would be for a certain somebody’s 
hat. ” 

“You dear old Nat! . What a darling it is ! But,” 
here Lina paused, hat in hand, looking down wist- 
fully. at the life-like semblance of the restless little 


A SILVER BRAND, 


11 


midget which had gathered its last honey-drop; 

but — dear, dear ! how happy it must have been. 
They do seem so happy, all the birds. And the 
humming-bird somehow seems to be of a finer and 
daintier nature than the others. I hold my breath 
always when I watch them. Oh, Nat, I don’t be- 
lieve I like it, after all. It was killed to make a fine 
ornament for my hat. Poor little humming-bird !” 

And by the time she had ended, the sweet voice 
was tremulous, and the bright drops slipped down 
upon her cheek. 

Nat smiled upon her tenderly. . 

‘‘Do you think I would have given it to you 
pierced by that cruel thought, my tender-hearted 
Lina? Take comfort with the humming-bird, my 
child. It was not killed for you. Indeed, it was 
not killed at all. It died in a cage, pined, I suppose, 
for its tropical home, for it was brought alive from 
South America. It is of a very rare species — too 
valuable to be neglected in any way. I think the 
man who lost it shed genuine tears when that pretty 
head began to droop. The only cruelty that you 
can connect with if, was the taking it when a 
fiedgling arid giving it a cage.” 

“Poor little hummirig-bird!” repeated Lina, 
softly; but she looked up into Nat’s face with a* 
tender smile, adding, “ But I shall wear it now. Is 
this one like it, the one you are at work on?” 

“No; not so beautiful a creature, but the nearest 
I could approach to yours. This also is intended 
for a hat. I must try to be impartial to my little 
friends.” 

“For Serena!” exclaimed Lina, with a glad laugh. 
“Oh, Nat, that was well thought indeed. Will she 
come to-day? It is so long since J have seen her. I 
have not had time to tell you what a dreary time 
I have had of late. I have had my cage door barred 
too.” 

“You!” exclaimed Nat, but in a carefully modu- 
lated voice. “What do you mean, Lina?” 

She gave a short, impatient sigh. 

“It is another of the mysteries, I suppose. One 
can never tell what will be next. I have been in- 


'^2 


A SILVJSR BRAND, 


formed that danger of some sort threatens me, and 
1 have not been allowed to leave the house at all. I 
should not have come to-day but for Auntie Pen.” 

“Danger to you?” repeated Nat, in a perplexed 
tone. 

And then he glanced again toward the straight, 
prim figure by the window. But her head never 
moved, her eyes were fixed upon the book. So he 
repeated more earnestly: 

“ How can there be any danger for you, my child, 
in this secluded, lonely spot?” 

Lina shrugged her shoulders. 

“Don’t ask me. Haven’t I always told you I was 
a being of mystery? Haven’t I said, again and 
again, that I am either an enchanted princess, or 
an Undine, or a sprite of some sort, to whom a 
startling change may come any moment. I don’t 
think anything would really astonish me, not even 
to find myself some morning in a strange land, a 
beggar, or a queen. What you tell me about this 
humming-bird has filled me with a strange and 
yearning sympathy. I think I can understand some- 
thing of its homesick longings, its vague yearn- 
ings, its dim revealings of another and different life 
belonging to it, but never found. Poor nestling ! 
No Avonder the honey provided in a common vessel 
lacked the ambrosia of the amber-drop sipped from 
the fragrant heart of the rose and honeysuckle. 
Do you suppose he dreamed about liberty, and so 
pined, and died?” 

How innocent and beautiful she looked, standing 
before him, still holding the hat with its new ac- 
quisition turned so that she could look down upon 
it, her head drooping, her eyes downcast. The 
taxidermist’s heart yearned over her as he gazed. 

“My child,” he answered, “do you think I will 
say yes, when you are already associating yourself 
with that soulless creature? You must put away 
your dreams, if they will make you pine and droop 
also. I am sorry I brought the bird to you. Why 
can’t you take these trivial pleasures without look- 
ing into them for a sorrowful meaning?” 

“Oh, you musn’t think I don’t like this darling. 


A SILVER BRAND, 


73 


little, fairy creature. I do, indeed I do, Nat, and I 
thank you so much for it. But I must associate 
myself with it; you must allo^v that, for the fancy 
has come, and I can’t put it away. I think I am 
something of the sort. I can mate my experience 
to my imaginings of his. I think of myself, taken 
away from the home-nest too early to know any 
more than dim intuitions tell me, yet ever yearning 
vaguely for what was there. Nat, you are always 
calling me odd little names, now you must leave 
them all for one. Call me humming-bird, Nat.” 

“A lovely little humming-bird, certainly,” re- 
turned Nat, smilingly; “but with that pensive face 
hardly like the gay little jewel who flies so airily. 
Don’t look so grave, birdling.” 

Neither of them saw that Penelope’s eyes had 
darted toward them, flashing with a new intelli- 
gence. Neither noticed how her fingers clenched 
themselves upon the book she held. 

Lina tossed back her drooping tresses, and 
laughed, as she crowned them with her hat. 

“There, now you see, l am crowned, and chris- 
tened at once. Your Humming-bird, Mr. Nat. 
And I can be as gay as you like. Go to work on 
the other, and tell me if that has a history, too.” 

“No, indeed, no more histories,” he returned, but 
took up the feathered skin, and resumed his work. 

“ I’m getting this ready that my other little visitor 
may not feel herself slighted.” 

“And you have given me the most beautiful bird. 
It proves that I am right. The rarest should have 
been Serena’s, only for the little foreigner’s history, 
which made you see that he belonged to me by 
right. Oh, Nat, how I wished you were as wise in 
prpohecy as in other things. You should tell me 
my fortune, and explain everything that puzzles 
me.” 

“No,” returned he, gravely, “I do not think I 
should.” 

She faced him with a sudden glint of indignation 
in her eye. 

“ What, you — you too, would keep me in blindness 
and ignorance? Have you found out anything 


74 


A Sizvm BBAjn). 


about me, Nat, anything that you are afraid to have 
me know?” 

Penelope turned a leaf in the book, and seemed 
to be reading on in that same wrapt fashion, but 
under the lowered lid, her eyes glimmered fiercely, 
and every faculty was merged in that of listening. 

Nat’s answer came slowly, and in an emphatic 
tone. 

“No, Humming Bird, I have not heard anything 
new beyond what you have just told me. If I were 
you I would not torment myself by thkiking there 
is anything to be discovered.” 

“How can I help it, when they are always hinting 
at some startling development?” she returned. 

“They? you mean your relatives?” 

“I suppose so, though I question, often enough, if 
they have a drop of kindred blood in their veins. 
If it were not for Auntie Pen ” 

She stopped short, struck with consternation at 
the recollection of Penelope’s presence. Both turned 
instantly to look at her, but she neither moved nor 
spoke. The next instant, however, she sprang up 
and turned toward them a look of alarm,' exclaim- 
ing: 

“ Some one is coming. A stranger has just crossed 
the window.” 

Nat turned to the door, but before he reached it, 
it was fiung open, and a gentleman, a young and 
handsome one, crossed hastily to his side, saying 
swiftly, in a foreign tongue : 

“ And so I find you at last — you strange old fellow ! 
By Jupiter! you are odder than this odd country 
you have chosen. Didn’t you get my letter, telling 
you I had arrived, that you left me to track you 
along like a spy? I thought ” 

And here he came to an abrupt pause, for step- 
ping farther into the room, he discovered Lina 
standing there, with her bright, interested face look- 
ing forth from under the jaunty hat, on whose brim 
perched the little feathered jewel. 

There went a rapid and eloquent change across 
the handsome face. The hat came off, with a swift 
movement, and the gentleman bowed gracefully, 


A SILVER BRAND. 7 ^ 

apologizing in good English, bht with a German 
accent. 

“I beg to be pardoned. I was nat aware I was 
intruding upon company.” 

Let us go,” cried Penelope, seizing upon Lina’s 
hand, and hurrying her forth, as if she feared to 
see her snatched away. 

The girl waved a parting gesture to her friend, 
and was dragged unceremoniously away, by the 
frightened guardian, who scarcely, drew breath until 
she met Paul hurrying toward them. 

“What stranger was that?” demanded Paul; “he 
came over with a boatman from the other shore.” 

“I don’t know who he was,” answered Penelope, 
but her hand shook, and she kept her face averted. 

“Some one to see old Nat,” said Lina. “Why did 
you hurry so. Auntie Pen?” 

Meantime, within the cabin, the stranger had 
seized upon the hermit’s hand. 

“ This bright, this beautiful creature, tell me, if it 
is possible it can be she?” 

Nat looked annoyed, and perplexed, as he replied: 

“It is. But how came you here? why this most 
unexpected' appearance? Explain if you are Count 
Stephano, as I suppose.” 

“ I escaped by the most charming stratagem. If 
you please, I am no Stephano at all. I come for you 
to perfect me in American ways, for I am at present 
named Aubrey Dalberg, and Count Stephano is sick 
there at Schwarzenberg.” 

“What farce is this?” demanded the hermit, im- 
patiently. 

“A charming farce, dear sir, from beginning to 
end — a charming farce. To think of finding you in 
such luxurious quarters.” And he looked round the 
little cabin, first contemptuously, and then with a 
gay laugh. “And I gave out that my errand was 
to bespeak some American birds for my museum.” 

’’And came near betraying me, and ruining the^ 
cause,” returned Nat. “I am sorry you have come.' 
I think they might have trusted me to manage 
things. However, you are here, and I must make 
the best of it. They are all well, of course.” 


76 


A SILVEM BRANi). 


"Yes, of course, all but Stephano, as I told you,” 
returned the light-hearted fellow, laughing merrily 
again. “And poor Roderich, who was a little 
choleric when I left, you know his over-sensitive- 
ness ; he couldn^t relish the innocent little stratagem 
played upon the American, who is a fine fellow, as 
I mean to be — I won’t disgrace the character. By 
the by, when will that fair visitor return ? She has 
taken my heart by storm. What name do you call 
her by?” 

“Humming Bird,” replied Hat, shortly. “Look 
here, Stephano, if you count on help of mine you 
must obey my instructions.” 

“I suppose I can use my eyes, your highness?” 
laughed the other. “ And does this palace of yours 
afford such a thing as a glass of wine? I will pledge 
you the Humming Bird’s health.” 

“I wish you had staid at home,” cried Hat 
again, ruefully. 


CHAPTER VIL 

EXPLANATIONS. 

The warm sunshine streaming in through a high 
window, whose curtain was drawn aside, laid its 
ardent kiss upon Aubrey Dalberg’s forehead, and 
the sleeper stirred uneasily. 

Two graye, attentiye faces were watching every 
movement. The Baron Valentin made a warn- 
ing gesture to his daughter, and whispered: 

“ He will soon awake. I must speak the first word 
to him, but do you come promptly at my call. -Re- 
member, my dear Theresa, it will all depend upon 
3^our tact and discretion. He will not dare to be 
angry or indignant with you.” 

The Lady Theresa bent her stately head. Her 
face was pale, her eyes flashing with suppressed 
excitement, as she moved noiselessly from the 
chamber, and took up her station just outside the 
door of the little dressing-room. 

The baron stood motionless, watching the recum- 


77 


A SILVER BRAND. 

tent figure, which turned over, flung up an arm, 
drew a long, sighing breath, and then abruptly- 
opened its eyes. 

Aubrey rose up quickly from the bed, stared be- 
wilderedly from the sunshine to his clothed limbs, 
and then looked up into the baron’s face with a 
oonfused, apologetic smile. 

“I beg your pardon, my lord, but I really do not 
remember — I cannot understand ” 

“ Give yourself no uneasiness. You are in good 
hands. I hope you do not And yourself ill,” replied 
the baron, in as cool and calm a voice as possible. 

“Have I been sick? I feel strangely weak and 
languid,” questioned Aubrey, more urgently. “I 
do not remember this room either, nothing is 
familiar.” 

“A little indisposition, that is all. You must have 
some coffee, and you will be all right.” 

Aubrey walked to the marble ewer and poured 
with an unsteady hand the cool water into the 
basin, and plunged his face into it. He turned 
around a brighter face and clearer eye. 

“ I remember a singular torpor creeping over me, 
as we came up to your son’s sick-room. Did I reach 
it at all? I haye certainly no remembrance of it.” 

But to his surprise, the baron had disappeared, 
rand through the other door came Lady Theresa, 
hearing a small silver salver in her hand, on which 
steamed with refreshing aroma a dainty cup of 
coffee. 

“You are ready for the coffee, I am sure, Mr. 
Dalberg,” she said, with a gracious smile. 

“Thank your ladyship. I am ashamed to see how 
much trouble l am making,” stammered Aubrey, 
coloring a little with mingled vexation and embar- 
rassment. 

“Do not stand, I beg of you,” resumed Theresa, 
in that same frank, cordial tone. “You are looking 
pale, and no wonder, after such a profound slumber. 
But the coffee will bring back color and strength 
both; 1 hope you And it agreeable to your taste.” 

Aubrey took the cup with a grateful, responsive 
smile, and sipped slowly at the delicious beverage. 


78 


A SILV£:B JBBA^^D. 


“ Thank you, I find it exquisite. More agreeable 
than the wine you gave me for your toast. When 
was it — an hour ago, or a week, or a year? I am 
utterly bewildered, for I find niyself dressed as I 
was then for the journey. But it is broad daylight 
now, and then it was a moonlight evening. And 
Count Roderich— I pray you send him to me, or the 
valet. I am anxious for an explanation of the 
mystery.” 

Theresa looked down at him with a dazzling, 
coquettish smile. 

“Nay, my dear Mr. Dalberg. While you are an 
invalid I am myself to be your nurse and attendant. 

I will send our faithful Max to you presently, but 
he will be utterly unable to answer your questions. 
Are you anxious to escape my company?” 

“ Indeed I am not, your ladyship, only — only-: — ” . 
and here Dalberg paused, at a loss how to finish the 
sentence. 

The smile had faded off from her high-bred face. 
She set her lips together with nervous resolution. 

“Well, sir, I am ready to answer you. What will 
you know first?” 

“Why I did not go back to the city? And how 
long ago it was that I made ready.” 

“ It was last evening. This is now three o’clock 
of the afternoon. And you did not go because you 
fell down in a dead stupor from which you have 
only now aroused. Roderich went on to the city.” 

“ It is very singular,” repeated Aubrey, with his 
eyes upon the floor. “I cannot conceive why such 
a stupor should have come upon me.” 

“But I can make it very plain, Mr. Dalberg. You 
were under the effects of a powerful narcotic.” 

“Good Heaven! Von Schubert must have done 
it!” exclaimed Aubrey. 

“No,” returned the cool, clear voice, the dazzling 
eyes fixed unblenchingly upon his face, “don’t 
accuse Von Schubert of any more than he deserves. 
It was I, Mr. Dalberg. The wine you alluded to, but 
a moment since, was drugged !” 

“The wine drugged!” 

And there was still more genuine astonishment 


A sizfi:b brand. 


79 


and consternation in the young gentleman’s voice. 
His color faded again into pallor. 

'‘Shall I bring you some more coffee?” ’she asked, 
eagerly, and then laughed at the perplexity of . his 
look. “I don’t wonder you are amazed at my 
effrontery, Mr. Dalberg. Just confessing having 
drugged your wine, I coolly propose to bring you 
anoth^er beverage. But I declare to you, by every- 
thing sacred, that the coffee is innocent.” 

He sat staring at her in silence. Unconsciously 
he put his hand into his pocket. He drew it out 
hastily, and went diving into the other, searching 
evidently for something that was not to be found. 

“ Don’t look for the bank-book or the papers for 
you will not find them. My dear Mr. Dalberg, I 
don’t wonder you are horrified. You feel as if you 
had fallen into a den of villainy.” 

“Will your ladyship be good enough to call the 
baron, or send a servant for him?” 

Still she smiled down upon him, cool and calm, 
and dazzlingly beautiful. 

“Hay, not yet! — not quite yet, Mr. Dalberg.’ 
Since I am the only one who can answer you freely, 
it were better not to send me away until you are 
thoroughly enlightened.” . 

He looked at hhr uneasily. 

The white lids dropped slowly over the dazzling 
eyes, a look of seeming weariness and pain crossed 
her face. The lips curled poutingly like a grieved 
child’s. 

“Alas!” she murmured, sorrowfully, “he distrusts 
me thoroughly. He will put no more confidence in 
me. , Oh, that I could show him the sore strait that 
drove me to it.” 

“Hay, Lady Theresa,” said Aubrey, gravely, '‘I 
am hardly prepared for any judgment at all in the 
matter. Since I am still so much in the dark con- 
cerning it all, I cannot conceive any reason why 
you should wish to prolong my stay here. But the 
loss of my private papers, and especially of the 
passport made ready for my departure, may greatly 
embarrass me. For you are aware I leave Germany 
on Monday.” 


80 


A SILV^B BBAM. 


“That is impossible, Mr. Dalberg,” she answerer], 
firmly, although the changes of her face were rapid 
and agitated. “Oh, be chivalrous and generous! 
It is after all so little a thing for you to relinquish, 
and so momentous and vital a movement for us!” 

She clasped her white hands imploringly, and 
bent upon him wistfully the eyes that were brighter 
still with gathering tears. 

“Will your ladyship be good enough to speak 
plainly to me. What are your wishes? What can 
I do?” 


“Oh, so much, Mr. Dalberg. You can make your- 
self our benefactor and friend forever. Indeed, in- 
deed, if you could understand all the circumstances 
you would consent. Remain here quietly and as 
contentedly as you can, one little month, taking 
Stephano’s place, and letting us do our very best to 
beguile the weariness of the dragging hours. Oh, 
it does not seem so very much — only a month. And 
then to go out into the blessed freedom of our own 
privileged land. Think what it must be for us — for 
my poor father, whose hope of release, at its best, 
only promises for years, and be compassionate.” 

“Your father’s hope of release?” repeated Aubrey, 
and a light broke upon him suddenly. “Good 
Heaven! he is a prisoner here, and Von Schubert 
is his keeper.” 

“Yes, he is a prisoner, and Von Schubert is his 
jailer,” repeated Lady Theresa, in a voice of intense 
bitterness. “A State prisoner, which is the most 
helpless of all. And all the art and strength, and 
many-eyed aiid myriad-armed vigilance of the 
royal power guards every avenue of escape against 
him.” 

“A prisoner for political offenses?” questioned 
Aubery. 

“ The prince hates him. That, I suppose, means 
the same?” replied Theresa. “Ido not attempt to 
deceive you by denying that he was accused of a 
deeper crime. Accused and tried, but, mark you, 
they could not prove him guilty. And yet, instead 
of sending him forth clear from their vile slanders, 
the royal tyrant stepped forward and himself pro- 


A SILVER BRAND. 


81 


nounced the sentence. They could not deny his 
claim here, and they dared not attempt it. But they 
took the control of the proud old estate into their 
charge, and shut him up here, a prisoner for life ! 
What do you think of that for tyranny, for wicked- 
ness, for despotic rule? Bless your own good fortune 
that you are the favored son of another land, Mr. 
Dalberg.” 

Her chest heaved, her eyes flashed, her hands 
were clenched. It was plain all the fire and passion 
of her strong nature rose up against the cruel cir- 
cumstances that hedged her in., 

“ Count Roderich should have told me that before 
he brought me here,” faltered Aubrey Dalberg. 

“ And then you would have refused to come,” she 
replied, quickly. “No, that would not have done at 
all. It would not have carried out our plan, nor 
have outwitted Von Schubert, as we have done 
now.” 

And an exulting smile crossed her lips while she 
resumed : 

“ Through you, Mr. Dalberg, we have received our 
first ray of hope. Do not, I beg you, be cruel enough 
to quench it. We were all guarded! and watched. 
Roderich, to be sure, hhd freedom to come and go, 
but a spy followed every step of his, and his eager 
and urgent petition for permission to leave Germany 
is continually refused. There is but one hope, you 
understand, for my father’s release from this 
wretched life, for our escape from this shame and 
wrong. Somewhere in America, we are sure, they 
have hidden a witness through whom it is possible 
for us to obtain triumphal acquittal. And we be- 
lieve it is solely to prevent our finding that one that 
we are all, through one pretense or another, im- 
mured here. Do you think we have borne it tamely 
and meekly without an attempt to overcome even 
such powerful odds? Mr. Dalberg, do not be angry 
with me beyond the hope of my winning your for- 
giveness. It was I who ' drugged your wine, and 
helped carry out successfully a plot we have hardly 
dared whisper to each other, but the prince’s 
minions should catch the meaning. Stephano went 


82 


A SILVER BRAND. 


hence with Roderich, deceiving Von Schubert and 
all the others, while he personated you. As Aubrey 
jDalberg he will lea ve Germany, and reach America. 
And we, wretched ones remaining here, will weep 
and pray that he may succeed in his mission, de- 
voting to you all that lies in our power of entertain- 
ment, with the deepest and most fervent gratitude. 
Say that you are not angry with me, Mr. Dalberg.” 

She stood before him flushed and eager, the 
bright, triumphant eyes belying the meekly droop- 
ing head and humble tone. 

‘Gt will be very awkward for me,” stammered 
Aubrey. “What shall I do for a passport? And I 
must certainly go next week.” 

“Nay, that is impossible. Stephano must be safely 
beyond their reach, before any knowledge of our 
stratagem transpires outside this chamber. There 
is only one servant, a faithful fellow, devoted to my 
father, who knows what has been done. 'He waits 
outside, and m3’' father and myself take care of our 
sick Stephano entirely. We had done it for a fort- 
night previous to your arrival, so Von Schubert will 
suspect nothing. I confess that it is, as you say, 
awkward and unpleasant for you, but for us it is a 
desperate case, and we can only l3eg you to make 
the best of the circumstances. Will it really be so 
extremely irksome playing the part of an invalid, 
and submitting yourself to my best attentions?” 

And she favored him with a dazzling smile, to 
which the young gentleman returned another, a 
little lugubrious and doubtful. 

“You have no spirits, and it is not to be wondered 
at. I said I would have my luncheon with Stephano, 
and no doubt our good Max has laid the table in the 
anteroom. Come and share it with me, and try to 
believe things are not so forlorn as they might be.” 

, She led the way, and found, as she anticipated, a 
delicate repast set out upon a small oval table. 
The man retired promptly, and took his station 
without the door. Lady Theresa presided with ease 
and grace, and a cheerfulness Aubrey was not yet 
able to share. 

“Another cup of coffee, my friend— and I assure 


A SILVER BRAND. 


83 


you it is pure and unadulterated. Think how easy 
it would be for us to keep you in a stupor all this 
time; and see that we do not mean to injure you in 
any possible way that can be avoided,” she said. 
Besides, one must be reconciled to the inevitable— 
you cannot help yourself.” 

At that moment there came a low and cautious 
tap, twice repeated, at the door. It was undoubtedly 
some signal of warning, for the lady paused abrupt- 
ly, and looked around in consternation. 

Then they both heard distinctly Von Schubert’s 
clear, incisive voice speaking without to Max. 

“ Present my compliments to Lady Theresa, and 
say that I would speak with her a moment.” 

Aubrey sprang up, and took a step toward the 
door. She was just telling him there was no help 
for him. Why should he not show her that he was 
not a cowed simpleton to be scared by threats or 
cajoled by a beautiful woman’s blandishments. He 
stretched out his hand, he opened his lips to call 
Von Schubert’s name. 

Theresa read his purpose. She was deadly pale, 
but did not lose her presence of mind. Sinking 
down upon her knees and claspinghis hands, she 
besought his mercy in the most eloquent gestures. 
Her lips trembled, the tears poured down her 
cheeks, the hot thrill from the slender fingers cling- 
ing to his, quickened his own pulse. 

Aubrey shut his lips firmly, walked back, and 
took the seat again. 

The strange girl sprang up, flung her arms about 
his neck a single moment, and left a kiss upon his 
forehead. Then she had skimmed across the room, 
closed the door behind her, and vanished. He heard 
her calm, even tones replying to Von Schubert. 

“Thank you for your disinterested solicitude, Herr 
von Schubert. My poor Stephano is ill enough, but 
we fancy there is a little improvement this morn- 
ing. So we have renewed our hope ; I am sure you 
congratulate us.” 

He did not catch the gentleman’s reply, but she 
spoke again, coldly : 

‘‘Thank you. I imagine it will be some weeks be- 


84 


A sizvuB bhani). 


fore tlie poor fellow will consider himself fit for 
company of any sort. I find a man’s convalescence 
is more trying to the nurse than the height of ill- 
ness. If you will excuse me, I will return to him.” 

She came back, smiling gratefully upon Aubrey. 

‘‘You are so good and kind! I knew you would 
be. Poor Roderich was in an agony of apprehension 
concerning your behavior, but I told him I was cer- 
tain you would be reasonable and generous. I must 
write to Roderich, and let him know that all is safe. 
The letter will be examined by some of Yon Schu- 
bert’s minions, if he does not read it himself. Ro 
matter. I can make him understand my meaning 
without betraying anything to them. And I shall 
know, after Monday, through his letter, if Stephano 
is safely off. Oh ! what a relief — what a blessed re- 
lief it will be to know he is safely away from their 
Argus eyes I Then, at last, I shall begin to hope 
that our malign fortunes are changing.” 

They finished the meal in silence, and Aubrey was 
compelled to acknowledge that he had improved his 
condition mentally as well as physically. 

“And now tell me what you will have. Do you 
solace yourself with the seductive spell of cigar or 
meerschauni? Or shall I bring you books or pict- 
ures? Or would you like me to sing to you? You 
are monarch in that respect. Make known your 
will, and I will obey.” 

“The song, by all means,” returned Aubrey, fling- 
ing himself upon the luxurious lounge, and amusing 
himself by the resolution that he would revenge 
himself upon the situation by being autocratic as the 
Czar of all the Russias. 

She brought her guitar, and sang with an evident 
effort to please her listener. Just as she finished, 
the door opened softly, and the Baron Valentin 
came in. His face was clouded and embarrassed, 
but he held out his hand promptly. 

“I trust that Theresa has persuaded you to forgive 
us the trick we have played upon you, Mr. Dalberg,” 
he said, in a deprecating voice. 

“She has convinced me that it is idle to resent it, 
and wise to make the best of the situation,” re- 


A SlLVmi BRAND, 


S5 

turned Aubrey ; “ but I should be very glad of your 
assurance that I shall not find myself implicated to 
the authorities here in consequence, and of an ex- 
planation concerning my prospect for obtaining 
another passport.” 

“Your American consul can manage it. Roderich 
had no question about it. The greatest danger lies 
in the fear of discovery before the passport has ac- 
complished its work. I shall count the very minutes 
until Monday is past,” he replied, drawing a long 
and burdened breath. 

“Take heart, dear father. If we have cheated 
Von Schubert, the prime minister of all the foxes, 
why need we fear for the rest?” laughed Theresa. 


CHAPTER VIII. 

THE SAME BIHTHMAEK. 

Two days after Penelope’s visit to Nat’s cabin, 
as the taxidermist sat by his pleasant window, not, 
as usual, busy over his work, but with folded arms 
and a grave, care-marked face, buried in reverie, 
there came a light r,ush of e^ger feet outside, very 
much indeed like the airy dart of his humming- 
bird, and the door being unlatched, Lina bounded 
in, but stopped ^hort, looking around in disappoint- 
ment. She came slowly to Nat’s side. 

“You expected to find some one else here, my 
child,” spoke Nat, quietly. “Why did you hurry 
so, foolish one? Your, heart beats violently, I can 
see, and your cheek is hot and fiushed. Do you 
think a humming-bird allows itself to be so fevered 
and fiuttered? If I am to call you that, you musn’t 
belie your name.” 

“But a humming-bird never moves lazily; he 
comes with a dart and a whir,” she returned, play- 
fully. “Nevermind the panting, it will stop pres- 
ently, and if I was seen there’s no knowing how 
little time I may have. I ran away, Nat. I got out 
of a window upon the porch roof, and then I slid 
down a trellis, and I may well be warm, for I ran 


8C A SILVSJB ISBAm. 

hither as fast as my feet would carry me. I thought 
I saw Serena’s boat. I am sure I saw it, and Serena 
rowing. Oh, how sorry I shall be if she has not 
coiiie, for who knows where they will put me 
next, and I wouldn’t miss seeing her to-day for 
anything.” 

“ If she has come to the island she will be here 
presently. Sit down, fold your wings a moment, 
restless little humming-bird. Do you mean to tell 
me that your only method of egress was through 
the window^?” 

She laughed merrily, with a ring of defiance in 
her musical tones. 

“Yes. If they lock the doors upon me what else . 
can they expect? A humming-bird must have the 

free air and sunshine, or ” She took off her hat, 

and looked down wistfully at its valuable little orna- 
ment — and her voice deepened— “ or else it will pine 
and die.” 

“ They will be angry with you. I am sorry,” said 
Nat. • 

“I can’t help it. If it were not for Auntie Pen, I 
don’t think I should care in the least. I begin to 
find out that it adds a new zest to steal such enjoy- 
ment. And I growing wicked very fast?” 

And she tossed her head and looked into his face 
saucily with those brilliant, dancing eyes. 

He smiled upon her fondly, and yet with ill- 
concealed sadness as he replied : 

“Be a prudent humming-bird. , It is true, many 
perils lurk in ambush for such wild and lovely 
creatures.” 

“ I would rather get back safely without their dis- 
covering it,” she murmured, “because it is pleasant 
to think such an escape may be always open to me, 
if they proceed to harsher measures. Oh, Nat, who 
was your visitor the other day. I have thought so 
much about him. Was it a brother, or a cousin, or 
what? It seems so, and yet ” 

“Well, and yet ” 

“I don’t know exactly. You are just as grand 
and noble-looking as he, only he seemed of another 
sort.” 


A SIZFBB BRAND, 


87 


“ I think SO— quite of another sort. Don’t waste 
any of a humming-bird’s fairy thought upon him. 
He said he came for a collection of birds. I was 
sorry he saw the queen of the humming-birds, for 
fear he might take to lingering in these parts for 
another loo£ Don’t ever give him one, my child.” 

There was a dry chuckle in Nat’s voice, and a 
secret glance toward the door which opened into 
his tiny bedroom, as he said this, which, while it 
passed unnoticed by Lina, carried deep significance 
to a concealed listener there, who shook a threaten- 
ing hand, and made a comical grimace in response. 

“ Auntie Pen gave me a lecture about it last night, 
so there’s no necessity for you to repeat anything 
of the sort,” laughed Lina. “ Poor Auntie Pen ! I 
wonder what great trouble she has seen!” she 
added, thoughtfully. 

“What makes you fancy such a thing?” 

“ Oh, because I read it on her face. She was terri- 
bly shaken by something last night. She stood by 
the window looking out full an hour without stir- 
ring a single muscle of her face, but when she drew 
that long, long breath, and unclasped her hands, I 
saw the purple where the blood had settled under 
her finger-nails. And then , when I went to say 
good-night, I found her on her knees, and her lips 
and cheeks were fairly gray in their pallor. She is 
very strange, poor Auntie Pen, but she loves me, 
and I love her better than I could love a dozen 
Theodosias. Oh !” and here the dreamy voice broke 
into a glad cry. “ Here she comes — here is our darl- 
ing Serena.” 

And the next instant she had bounded to the 
threshold and was clasping the hand and eagerly 
kissing the cheek of a tall and graceful maiden, 
who returned her caresses with equal fondness, 
though less vehemence. 

“ Dear, dear Serena 1 I am so thankful to see you 
again, Rena.” 

“My precious little Lina, it is indeed a long time. 
I have waited in vain, night after night, on the 
other shore,” returned a clear, high, singularly pure 
voice, “So at last I rowed hither to learn what Nat 


A JSILVEB BBABD, 


could tell me. How do you do, Mr. Nathaniel? You 
have made a long absence this time. My spy-glass 
showed your curtain down for many days.” 

“Sit down, my children. Old Nat’s is indeed a 
proud and honored roof when two such fair ladies 
grace it with their presence.” 

The two girls nestled together with arms inter- 
laced and hands clasped. Lina’s vehement nature 
could not remain quiet. She burst forth every few 
moments with little exclamations of pleasure and 
affection. She stroked Serena’s hand and played 
with the silky tress that curled against tlie white 
throat. 

“I wonder what name Nat can find for you, 
Serena? I am his humming-bird. Oh, he must show 
you the one for your hat. I say, Mr. Nathaniel, 
what shall Serena be?” 

The taxidermist looked at them with a yearning 
tenderness in his eyes. 

“It must be a bird, I suppose. I can’t think of 
just the right mate for a humming-bird. But I be- 
lieve Serena reminds me of a swan.” 

“Yes, oh, yes, a snow-white, stately swan, grace- 
ful, and dazzling, and magnificent. That is Serena,” 
approved Lina. 

“Calm, and serene, and snow-white,” murmured 
Nat, dreamily. 

Serena just bent her stately head and smiled at 
them out of her cool, pure eyes.. 

“A truce to nonsense. I wonder what my pupils 
would say to the comparison ? When I seize upon 
an offending hand or reprove an idle eye there is 
little swan-like in my looks or tone. Moreover, I 
don’t intend to die singing.” 

And she gave a playful fillip to Lina’s fingers, 
drawing the latter’s eyes to her movements. 

, “Why, where is your bracelet, Serena?” she 
asked. 

“ I lost it in the water. The velvet was worn and 
frayed, I suppose. How plain the mark shows.” 

And they both examined the slender wrist, whose 
fairness was marred by a single spot nearly the size 
of a dime and of purple-brown tint. 


A SILVER BRAND. 


89 


Lina pushed away her loose sleeve and looked 
down at the broad band of » woven strands of gold 
which spanned her own wrist. 

“ Mine can’t fray and break. It has loosened a 
little lately, though. I told Aunt Penelope of it, and 
she got the key and unlocked it and took off tlie 
bracelet, and Urbanus did something to tighten it. 
But it is still loose.” 

“What are you talking about?” exclaimed ISTat, 
coming hastily, and looking down with keen inter- 
est upon the interlacing fingers. 

“ About the marks upon our wrists. It is so odd 
that we should have them alike,” returned Lina, 
carelessly. “You know, Serena, it was that little 
circumstance that drew me to you first when we 
used to meet down there by the water.” 

“The marks upon your wrists?” repeated Nat, in 
a startled tone. “What marks, children?” 

Serena lifted her clear eyes to his in surprise at 
the unwonted sharpness of the tone, but held forth 
her arm quietly. 

“There are two round, spots on our wrists in just 
the same place, of exactly similar size, and colored 
alike, of this ugly, purplish-brown. We think 
nature, meant us to be close, friends, that she left 
the same signet upon us both, Mr. Nathaniel. What 
do you say?” 

The taxidermist seized upon either hand and laid 
them side by side, staring down with a fierce intent- 
ness that was only half-concealed. 

Lina held away the cumbrous golden band to give 
a better glimpse of hers, saying, pettishly : 

“ I wonder I was ever foolish enough to consent to 
wearing a locked bracelet. But I remember I 
thought it very fine to give up the velvet bows I 
wore when a little girl for this shinins: gold band. 
It has not left my wrist for a single day or night 
these three years back. Aunt Theodosia keeps the 
key.” 

“It was your bracelet that made me think of 
velvet bands,” added Serena. “Although I have 
always been ashamed of the ugly blemish, I never 
thought of hiding it ; and now, somehow, since you 


90 A SIZVEB 

also share it, Lina, darling, it no longer seems any- 
thing unlovely. ” 

Nat was silent, still staring down upon the two 
pearly tinted wrists, with their odd marks so pre- 
cisely the same. 

“They are birth-marks, of course. I have often 
wondered if somewhere, some time, somebody or 
other would not know and claim me by mine,” said 
Lina ; “ but it would be no claim at all now, Serena, 
for you would answer to the same description — 
why, even to the color of the hair and eyes; I never 
thought of that before. We have both dark-blue 
eyes and brown hair. Do we look alike, Nat.^” 

Nat’s eye wandered over the two faces slowly 
and carefully. 

“ I never thought of it. No ; I do not think you 
are any more alike than the humming-bird and the 
swan. It is, indeed, an odd coincidence that you 
are marked alike.” 

He proceeded toward his table, hunted there a 
moment, and returned with a small but evidently 
powerful magnifying glass, with whose assistance 
he carefully examined Serena’s wrist. 

If the girls had been less absorbed with each other 
they would have noticed the profound astonish- 
ment, and, it would almost seem, the deep dismay 
which his observation seemed to bring with it. 

“You are right. It was given to seal us true 
friends always, Serena,” murmured Lina, kissing 
her companion, “You remember that you have 
promised to follow and hunt me up if ever I am 
spirited away. We are alike also in our destitution 
of home friends. Two lonely girls, who must be 
father and mother, brother and sister, each for the 
other.” 

“Heaven help me to keep my part, my darling!” 
said Serena, bending her stately head to kiss the 
rosy, tremulous lips. 

“Let me take the glass, Nat, What do they look 
like by its help?” 

“No improvement^ certainly. I wouldn’t try it,” 
answered Nat, hastily, dropping the glass into his 
pocket; and, as if to divert their thoughts, he 


A SILVER BRAND, 


91 


brought out Serena’s humming-bird, and set Lina 
to fastening it upon the hat. 

She laughed merrily as she tried the effect.' 

“Another item of resemblance, Serena. If, in- 
deed, as Aunt Theodosia seems to think, some great 
ogre is waiting in ambush to gobble me up, Tie is 
quite likely to make a mistake and seize you. ‘Dark 
eyes and brown hair, a mark On the right wrist, and 
' a humming-bird in the hatl’ If the ogre has only 
that description to go by, youTl understand what it 
means if you are surreptitiously seized upon. Tell 
them you’re the wrong humming-bird, and send 
I them back for me. ” 

Nat did not join the chorus of their silvery 
laughter ; he strode to the window and stood look- 
ing forth, his brow knit, his eye troubled and per- 
plexed. 

“What mystery is this?” demanded his inward 
thought. “What strange, incomprehensible fate 
has stamped that minute mark, line for line, dot 
for dot, upon another wrist? . The magnifying glass 
shows me the same coat of arms as Lina’s. One 
is as surely the stamp of that silver brand as the 
other. Great Heaven ! what am I to think? Have 
I been mistaken? Are they all mistaken? What a 
momentous issue hangs. upon the rightful solution 
of the question? I dare not move another step until 
it is answered.” 

He went back and stood by them while the two 
maidens prattled on, and broke in presently upon 
their light talk. 

“ Serena, you never told me much about yourself. 
The old lady you call grandmother— is she really 
and veritably your relative?” 

“Really and truly!” replied Serena. “She was 
telling me, but a little time ago, the sad particulars 
of my birth. I, also, you know, belong to the 
fatherland. My father was nearly killed by some 
terrible accident to a great church in the process of 
rebuilding ; and my poor young mother was taken 
sick in the hospital where he died, and followed 
him, leaving a poor little babe alone in the world, 
but for the old grandmother’s care. Yes, indeed. 


92 


A aiLVER BRAND, 


she is my relative ! The same blood flows in our 
veins ! How bitterly she wept while she told me 
how her dying daughter begged her to be gentle 
and tender with tne orphaned babe ! She was the 
first, she says, to kiss me, and her own trembling 
hands held my tiny face to the pale, dying lips. My 
poor young mother ! My dear old grandmother !” 

And Serena wiped away the bright drops that 
beaded the silken eyelash, and looked up into Nat’s 
face for sympathy. 

I must go to see her, Serena,” said he, promptly ; 
“it is a shame that I know nothing about her except 
that your faithful service at school-teaching con- 
tributes to her support.” 

“I wish you would,” returned Serena, eagerly; 
“she has so few friends in this country that I fear 
it will never seem like home to her. Sometimes, 
she says, even my ways strike her as strange and 
foreign.” 

.“There is Auntie Pen, do you see her hurry?” ex- 
claimed Lina. “ Oh, dear ! I can’t go back to that 
dismal chamber. Old Nat, help me coax her into 
leaving me in peace while Serena stays.” 

Penelope knocked at the door, and Nat opened it. 

“I want my niece, sir,” she said, coldly; “it is 
very annoying to us that she has taken such fond- 
ness for this place.” 

“I am sorry, madam,” returned the taxidermist, 
courteously, “since I enjoy her visits exceedingly, 
and surely there is naught harmful about them.” 

Lina put her bright face over his shoulder. 

“You needn’t be uncivil to Nat, Auntie Pen. If 
there is any fault in the matter, it is mine, or some- 
body’s who locked my door. I saw Serena’s boat 
land, and I wanted to see her.” 

“Serena?” repeated Penelope ; “I have heard you 
speak of her before ; it is the girl friend you made 
down at the beach.” 

“Yes, my darling friend and comforter. Let me 
take her with me, and I will go back contentedly,” 
pleaded Lina. 

Penelope took a step inward, and her eye fell 
upon the figure within, without taking in the face, 


A SILVER BRAND. 


93 


but as Serena turned toward her with one of her 
sweet,, calm smiles, the woman gave a sudden start. 
It was over in an instant, and she looked away 
hastily. 

“ I am afraid I cannot ask her to-day, Lina. I am 
anxious for you to return with me at once. You 
know they have reason to be angry with you at the 
house if they discover your absence. Come back 
before Theodosia is aware of it.” 

“ I am not afraid of Aunt Theodosia,” said Lina, 
haughtily, her eye flashing. I deny her right, or 
that of any one else, to imprison me against my 
will. And I want to see Serena.” 

“Enter a moment, madam, I pray you,” entreated 
Nat. “Perhaps a little frank consultation may 
brighten the matter.” 

Half mechanically, Penelope obeyed, and she 
dropped heavily into the chair he set for her. Lina 
went back to Serena, and clasped her arms around 
her, looking beautiful in her rebellion, with her hot 
cheeks and flashing eyes. 

“It is so cruel to deny me the friendship of the 
only girl I know,” she repeated, indignantly. “It 
is a very little thing I ask, the privilege of coming 
here to meet her, if you will not invite her there. I 
cannot be happy without Serena. She is the best 
solace and comfort of my dreary life.” 

Penelope put one hand to her side as if some 
sharp pang assailed her there, and her voice was 
hollow as she spoke. 

“You have grown very suddenly into this friend- 
ship, Lina. It is something I have scarcely dreamed 
about. I do not think you understand just how 
cruel your words appear. Do you mean that it is 
more and dearer than poor Auntie Pen’s long-tried 
affection? That you demand her before all other 
ties that have bound you for so many years?” 

Lina’s quick, impulsive heart was touched by the 
anguish so feebly hidden by that forcedly calm 
voice. She sprang forward to catch Penelope’s 
hand, and showered it with mingling tears and 
kisses. 

“No, no. Auntie Pen, I don’t mean that my love 


94 


A Sizvm ZBAJVJ), 


for you has lessened a single atom. Only that I 
love Serena, too. She is young and lovely like me, 
and we are very fond of each other. Nature itself 
meant us for dear friends. See, she has the same 
iirth-mark as mine upon her wrist. Only see. 
Auntie Pen, the very same ! Is it not curious, won- 
derful?” 

Serena came forward with a gentle, deprecating 
smile, her fair wrist extended. Penelope gave a 
single glance, and shrank back. . 

“That is nothing remarkable,” she said, quickly; 
“ those brown moles are very common. Why have 
you mentioned yours?” 

“Nay,” interposed Nat, bringing forward his 
magnifying glass again, “it is rather peculiar when 
you use a glass. See, madam. 

He made a little authoritative gesture, and put 
the glass before her. Penelope looked, and seemed 
to harden and stiffen while she gazed. Nat’s eagle 
eye was fixed remorselessly upon her face, and she 
knew it. She rose to h^r feet and held out her 
hand. 

“Come, Lina, let us go home now. You shall 
meet this friend again. I promise you solemnly. 
Only come home now, to spare me Theodosia’s bit- 
ter accusations.” 

“ When may she come?” demanded Lina. 

“To-night. I will meet her at the wharf, and 
bring her to you,” answered the woman, her voice 
still hoarse and strained. 

“Then I will go; and, Serena, you will come?” 

“ I am not accustomed to be so far from home 
alone in the evening, although I am aware, in this 
quiet place, danger of any sort seems impossible,” 
returned Serena, hesitatingly. 

“ Have no fear. I will give you safe company,” 
whispered Nat, behind her. 

“Yes, I will come; and for your sake, Lina, for- 
get the distrust of your friends,” continued Serena, 
while she kissed the girl’s scarlet cheeks fondly. 
“I believe with you that a watchful Providence has 
willed that our paths should cross, and our lives be 
blessed with true and tender friendship.” 


A SIL VEIl BBAUD. 


05 


“Come, Lina!” cried Penelope, impatiently. 

And Lina yielded to the nervoUs grasp, and was 
drawn away out of the cabin and into the shadow 
of the trees and shrubbery that lined the wide road 
leading up to the rocky summit. 

“Aunt Penelope, I wonder very much at you,” 
cried Lina, angrily. “You were rude and unkind 
to two friends who have been very good and gener- 
ous to me.” 

“Don’t talk to me now, Lina, only hurry to get 
into the house before Theodosia discovers that you 
are gone. I cannot bear her keen retorts to-day. 
My brain is in a whirl. I am frightened 1” 

“Frightened!” repeated Lina, in astonishment. 

Penelope Foss, shuddered as she answered, tremu- 
lously : 

“Yes, frightened, Lina, at your danger and mine. 
What shall I do? Oh! what is wisest for me to do? 
If I could only see!” 

“You do not think Serena or ISTat can do any 
harm?” exclaimed Lina, indignantly. 

She gave a stifled moan. 

“Everything — everybody^!” she cried out, looking 
around her wildly. “ Oh, girl, girl ! if I might clasp 
you in my arms, and fly to §ome^ far-off isle — some 
desert shore !” and then the outstretched hands fell 
limp and nerveless. “Even there, even there!” she 
murmured, despairingly, “ the All-Seeing Eye would 
see and know.” 

It was Lina’s turn to be frightened. Such deep 
anguish and distress might well startle and appall 
her inexperienced mind. 

“ Auntie Pen, you must go to bed — you are sick, I 
am sure!” she stammered. “ I do not believe you 
know what you are saying!” 

“No, I do not know what I am saying — you are 
right, Lina. Forget whatever it was I talked about, 
and hurry into the house. I made Paul believe I let 
you out myself. Don’t you know they would bar 
the windows, too, if they guessed how you escaped? 
I hope Theodosia has not found it out, or I shall 
hear another tirade upon my weakness.” 

Theodosia was not in the vicinity when they 


OG 


A SILVER BRAND. 


glided noiselessly through the side-door, and Lina 
hurried up stairs to her room, casting an anxious 
glance behind, as she saw Penelope, looking wretch- 
edly pale and hollow-eyed, motioning for her brother 
Paul to follow her to the private room. 

“ Another consultation !” . murmured Lina, . im- 
patiently. 

‘‘Will the time ever come when I shall have a 
clew to all this mystery?” 


CHAPTER IX. 
get my revenge yet.” 

Nat turned away from the window from whence 
he had watched Penelope hurrying down the road 
with her refractory charge, with a grave and 
troubled face. He sat down, passing his hand every 
now and then across his forehead, without attempt- 
ing any explanation to his other visitor. 

Serena had risen to take her own departure, 
and her clear, calm eyes followed every expression 
of his face. 

“I am grieved,” she said, presently. “Something 
troubles you very much, Mr. Nathaniel. And it is 
connected with our dear little Lina, and the odious 
marks on my wrists. I wish you would not fret 
about it. I have always suspected that you knew 
more of Lina's history than you allowed us to see. 
But pray do not attempt to burden yourself with 
any conjectures concerning mine. You must come 
to see my grandmother, and she will convince you 
that there is no uncertainty at all. She has taken 
care of me from my very babyhood. And the mark 
was there when I was yet in the hospital where I 
was born. So, though it is quite remarkable, you 
see it is pure coincidence. I don’t know why, but I 
feel sure it will be a relief for you to have proof 
of it.” 

“Yes,” said Nat, looking at her wistfully; “you 
are right, Serena. You have always shown a quick 


A SILVER BRAND. 9f 

perception of my thoughts, a ready sympathy, a 
generous friendship that makes you seem so much 
more a woman than Lina, that I do not reniember 
that your ages are the same. It is true, I would 
rather believe you just what I have known you— 
Serena. There is a great deal of meaning in the 
name. You have fitted your character to it. I 
shouM be sorry, I think, to have it changed. And 
yet it may be wrong in me.” 

“I don’t think I understand you now, Mr. ITathan- 
iel,” smiled Serena. 

He smiled sorrowfully. 

“I don’t dare affirm that I understand myself. 
Lina calls me old Hat, a dozen times over, but you — 
Serena, I never heard you say anything but Mr. 
Hathaniel. And yet I dare say I am just as much 
an old man, a rough old fellow to you also?” 

“Ho, sir, not that, indeed not that,” answered 
Serena, quickly, a soft pink color blushing over her 
clear cheek, “but my kind friend, my wise teacher, 
my generous'benefactor always. But for your assist- 
ance, should I be able to hold the school which gives 
to grandmother and me our humble subsistence? 
Hext to her, I call you my benefactor.” 

“.But the time will come speedily — it cannot help 
coming,” he said, abstractedly, “when the nearest 
and dearest friend will be yours. And then you 
will laugh at this queer friendship of ours.” 

“There will be no friend who can be near or dear 
to me, if capable of so base an influence,” returned 
Serena, reproachfully. “Do not think of me so un- 
worthily, Mr. Hathaniel. But if I am to return this 
evening, I must , make haste home. Did you say I 
should see you at the wharf?” 

“I did not promise that you should see me. But I 
shall be close at hand to watch oyer your safety.” 

“I don’t know why, but I seeni to feel a thrill of 
premonition as if to-night was to bring a startling 
and exciting experience,” observed Serena, thought- 
fully. “Dear little Lina’s happiness is as dear to 
me as my own. I feel almost as sure as she, that 
some brilliant fairy-life lies waiting somewhere for 
her.” 


93 


A SIZVUB BBAXR 


“You have been a tender friend — pardon nie if I 
say your influence over her has been as benign and 
elevating as a mother’s. There again, you see, I 
forget that you are really as young as she. But if 
such prosperity comes to Lina, you will not refuse 
to share it with her, Serena, when she asks it.” 

Serena smiled brightly. 

“ My life is calm and peaceful. I do not dislike or 
despise it, yet surely there is not so much sunshine 
in it that I can afford to throw away brighter ex- 
pectations. But now I must really go. Good- 
morning, Mr. Nathaniel.” 

She passed out swiftly, never turning or looking 
back, and the taxidermist followed her to the door, 
and watched from thence until the drooping boughs 
at the turn of the side road hid from him the slender 
form. Then he drew a long and heavy sigh, and 
pressing his hand lightly across his forehead, he 
muttered : 

“Have I cherished wild and extravagant visions? 
Have I cheated myself with false and flattering 
hopes? Yet Serena’s is such a steady, nobly -poised 
soul, I cannot make her seem like a young and 
giddy girl. I think she would enjoy and appreciate 
the great advantages I can offer. I know she would 
adorn and beautify the highest station of any 
country. I have hardly realized till now, with what 
tender thoughts and beautiful hopes I have invested 
her. It would cost me a sore pang to see them fall 
away at my touch like Dead Sea fruit.” 

And he sighed again, and turned back toward his 
table. At that moment the youthful stranger had 
flung open the other door. He came out with a 
flushed face and angry eyes. 

“Look you!” he cried, fiercely, holding up a 
packet of letters bearing all the same peculiar seal. 
“ See what a fortunate accident has revealed to me !” 

“You have been forcing open my private drawer,” 
retorted Nat, indignantly. “How dare you so abuse 
my hospitality and friendship? Where is your 
honor?” 

The young gentleman’s lip curved haughtily. 

“You— you— talking of honor! You, traitor, vil- 


A SILVER BRAND,. 


99 


lain — doubly-dyed traitor ! Answer for this to me. 
I tell you, you shall answer it all to me, now, here, 
or I will kill you where you stand. How came you 
in correspondence with Von Schubert, and that 
royal villain, his master?” 

“ How came you by my private letters” returned 
Nat, as fiercely, but the color had all faded away 
from his face, and his lips were cold and white. 

“ I was listening to the girl’s musical voice, and 
playing idly with the nails that stud your writing- 
desk. Unconsciously I had pushed it from the 
table, and it tottered and fell. I caught it hastily 
only afraid lest the noise should betray my hiding- 
place, and somehow — I cannot tell how, I could not 
do it again — but somehow the secret spring was 
touched, and the lid fiew open, the papers dropping 
to the fioor. I picked them up, carelessly returning 
them to their place. I recognized my father’s 
writing, but I was little enough prepared to see 
these. Traitor! villain! you have been playing 
with both sides. You have cheated me. You have 
wormed our plans out of me, and already, I dare- 
say, they are on their way to Von Schubert. But it 
shall cost you dear. I tell you I will have a plain 
explanation now. You are -at my mercy here, how- 
ever it may be with my poor father. Speak, confess 
the full sum of your treacherous villainy!” 

He caught up Nat’s rifle, which stood leaning 
against its stand in that corner of the room, and 
pointed it full at its master’s forehead. 

“Rash boy, put down that dangerous weapon!” 
cried Nat, authoritatively. 

“I am no boy !” returned the other, hotly. “I am 
a man, and I am here to represent a great and im- 
portant interest. And you have cheated and cajoled 
me. Give me some explanation, or I will fire.” 

“ Stephano, you mean rightly, but you are very 
foolish and absurd. Shoot, if you like, but you thus 
extinguish the only hope of your father’s release 
and future prosperity.” 

And Nat folded his arms and faced his fiery young 
foe with a cool, calm smile. 

The gun was slowly lowered, 


100 


A SILVER BRAND. 


I don’t trust you, but I won’t forget you are 
older than I. I will give you opportunity to attempt 
an explanation even though it be a lying one. And 
yet such a cowardly part as you have played de- 
serves nothing better than to be shot down like a 
dog.” 

“With my own gun, under my own roof, by a 
self-invited guest,” resumed Nat, laconically. 

Stephano’s white forehead flushed with sullen 
crimson. 

“ You need not fling that taunt. Take your gun, 
and I summon you to meet me down upon the beach 
where you may take your choice of my pistols, if 
you like.” 

“You have a flery spirit. The Baers had always 
that,” said Nat, sorrowfully. “ I wonder will they 
never learn that it brings them sore anguish and 
trouble!” 

Stephano looked at him incredulously. 

“You have an air of innocence. Would to Heaven 
I could believe in it ! But nothing can controvert 
these deadly proofs. ' I shall read the letters, every 
one!” 

“Very well. I suppose it will matter little now. 
I told you, in the beginning, that you would em- 
barrass and perplex me. You have begun finely. 
I wish you were safely back at Schwarzenberg.” 

“ I have no doubt of it. This discovery interferes 
with your treacherous plans. You are naturally 
disturbed that I should at last discover you to be 
the tool and puppet of Von Schubert and his master.” 

“ I am naturally hurt and indignant, that having 
given your family such proof of my faithful devo- 
tion to their interest, I should be thus maligned and 
insulted by a hot-headed youngster,” retorted Nat, 
sternly. 

“How can I credit such words in your mouth 
while I hold these accursed proofs in my hand?” 
demanded the young man, angrily, and he ran his 
eye hastily along the lines and broke out afresh. 

“ Bated only the day before I left Germany. By 
Heaven ! man, there is nothing you can offer ill 


A SILVER BRAND, 


101 


explanation to refute this. This discovery means 
death and ruin for one of us.” 

“ It is not for me. I accept no such interpreta- 
tion,” said Nat coldly, but his face showed his per- 
plexity and annoyance. 

“What a dolt I have been,” pursued Stephano, 
fiercely. “ I came to you with all my plans, never 
asking for a proof of your friendship — nay, not even 
of your identity. How do I know now that you are 
really the man, really and truly Naiman Womberg? 
I don’t wonder you call me a boy. I have not acted 
like a man. But it is not too late yet to remedy all.” 

“I can answer one of your queries promptly,” 
answered Nat, really feeling for the young man’s 
mortification and distress. “I am certainly the one 
who first wrote to your father from America under 
the name of Naiman Womberg, but Naiman Wom- 
berg’s self I am not — not that one to whom those 
old letters of Von Schubert are addressed. Can you 
not see, my lad, that a fortunate chance threw the 
true Naiman and his plot into my way? That it 
was a master-move on the Schwarzenberg side, to 
pass myself off as Naiman, and appear to execute 
the will of Yon Schubert and his master.” 

“If I could only believe it,” ejaculated Stephano, 
passionately; “but I will no longer be a credulous 
fool.” 

“Look at it reasonably. Why should I trouble 
myself to cajole you? There is nothing that you 
have told me that I did not know before. If I had 
held any unfriendly intentions toward you I might 
have murdered you last night, or the night before 
in your sleep, and none have been the wiser, for 
who would be able, if he had the interest, to trace 
the newly arrived German to my door? On my 
honor, Stephano, I assure you that you may, and 
you ought to trust me.” 

“But why?” persisted Stephano. see now the 
absurdity. What is your interest in us? This 
Naiman Womberg’s friendship my father explained 
by remembering that he saved his sister once from 
drowning. But you— why should you be loyal to us 


102 


A SILVER BRAm. 


and treacherous to those who are able to pay you 
handsomely?” 

“That is my secret,” answered 'Nat, firmly. 

“ And I must share it to be able to renew my con- 
fidence in you,” said the young man, quite as reso- 
lutely. 

The taxidermist gnawed a moment impatiently at 
his lip and then turned suddenly. 

“If I give you a hint, a glimpse at my true iden- 
tity, may I calculate in future upon your implicit 
obedience to my instructions, your faithful help, 
even whete matters look blind and dubious to your 
{judgment?” 

“ If you convince me of your good faith to our 
cause you certainly may,” replied Stephano, but his 
tone betrayed his incredulity. 

Nat still stood debating within himself some im- 
portant question, but he seemed at last to arrive at 
a deliberate decision. 

“See how much I trust to you, Stephano,” he said, 
in a sad and slightly reproachful voice. “My secret 
is one of the most vital significance. I have kept it 
locked securely in my own breast for these many 
years and you have given me no such proof of your 
faithfulness and integrity as your family have re- 
ceived from me. And yet, in the face of your angry 
abuse and lack of faith, I put myself in your power. 
You ask for proof of my devotion to the Schwa‘rzen- 
berg cause, of my deadly enmity to the schemes of 
that royal traitor and Von Schubert, his minion. 
Well, Stephano, you shall see.” 

While he spoke he was unfastening his right 
sleeve. He pushed the linen fabric away, and 
showed a broad piece of leather securely buckled 
around the wrist. That in turn was undone, and 
the white, smooth fiesh, its protected fairness show- 
ing from the tanned arm like a bracelet, was re- 
vealed to the young man's wondering eyes. 

There on the wrist was a circular, purplish-brown 
spot, the very counterpart of that which Lina's gold 
bracelet and Serena's black velvet concealed.. Nat 
took out the little magnifying glass and passed it tq 
Stephano ’s trembling fingers, 


A SILVEH BJlAm. 


103 


The latter had flushed a sudden and violent crim- 
son, his eyes dilated with dismay and amazement. 

He seized the' glass, and stared through it with 
wild, fierce eyes. 

“Great Heaven!” ejaculated he, at length, drop- 
ping the glass, and sinking into the nearest chair, 
and now his color had all faded out, and even his 
lips were white. 

Nat looked at him calmly, evidently restraining 
his own excitement to refrain from adding to the 
other^s agitation. 

“You have proof now that I was right in sending 
the Baron Valentin Baer word that th^ere was a ray 
of hope for him, a witness in America whose testi- 
mony might make some change in his sentence.” 

“It seems impossible!” muttered Stephano, run- 
ning his eyes eagerly and scrutinizingly over the 
bronzed, weather-beaten face, “and yet I cannot 
refuse to acknowledge that proof.” 

“No. I knew you would not deny that.” 

“But it is all a mystery. My poor father! I 
hardly know whether this news will give him most 
joy or pain,” muttered Stephano, drearily. 

“It should be all unmitigated joy, if only the path 
was clear,” said Nat. 

“ But you have remained here knowing why he 
was sentenced to that life-long imprisonment?” ex- 
claimed the young man, reproachfully. 

“ Hush ! I did not promise to explain any more 
than would give you proof of my sincerity in the 
Schwarzenberg cause. If I also was not caught in 
that wily villain’s toils should I be skulking here a 
single hour? But what would it avail though sacred 
justice herself should point out the rights of this 
case, while he held the power, and presided as 
judge? He must be outwitted by his own weapons. 
And is it not a powerful preparation that I have 
taken Naiman Womberg’s place, and am trusted 
with his plot and plan? Look not so down and 
downcast. Stephano, the fortunes of your house 
rise with mine. Your father’s remedy may prove a 
successful one.” 

“And you approve it?” asked Stephano, anxiously. 


104 


A SILVER RBAM). 


“ I do not say it, nay. It lies in other hands for 
settlement, my lad. Win there, and I give my 
benediction.” 

The young man’s face brightened out of its per- 
plexity. “I thank you, sir. I see now how mag- 
nanimous and noble your heart is.” 

“And you are not sorry for your discovery?” 

“No. I was stunned, I think, by the shock of the 
surprise. But I see now how much joy it may 
bring. Best of all, it is to have this indisputable 
refutation of the foul calumny that has darkened 
my father’s reputation. How Roderich will rejoice ! 
He would always have it that a heavy nightmare 
hung about our father’s spirits, sadly suggestive of 
guilt. It was almost a monomania with him, the 
dread that something would prove the truth of the ' 
black accusation. Thank Heaven that is impossible 
now !” 

Nat smiled sadly. 

“ Fate is kinder than our own passions. Stephano, 
learn to curb the fiery Baer temper while you are 
young. I do not say but there will be many bitter 
and troublesome memories to mar our happiness 
should Valentin and myself ever take each other 
again by the hand. But Time works marvels, and 
it may be we shall only rejoice in our hard discipline 
since we thereby have learned to conquer evil 
passions.” 

“ All this makes wondrous change in my ideas and 
confuses all my plans,” murmured Stephano, medi- 
tatively. “I confess I do not see what advantage 
can come of an inactive residence here.” 

“Your part, just now, has nothing to do with see- 
ing, only to obey implicitly,” returned Nat, smiling 
faintly. “ As I said before, you will be likely to 
trouble and embarrass matters if you interfere. A 
single false move, even now, may lose all the ad- 
vantage I have gained. I cannot afford to risk any 
rashness. And this Foss family are devoted blindly 
to the enemy. I see plainly that there is no possible 
chance of winning them over, and cannot help re- 
specting their enthusiasm and self-abnegation, 
although I know it is given to a false, and wicked 


A SILVER BRAND, 


105 


cause. I was set to watch them lest they should be 
open to bribery. But it was a needless task. Their 
loyalty and devotion to the cause are almost morbid, 
growing out of some vow which they took beside 
their father’s dying bed. It is very little assistance 
I can get from them. The only chance being from 
this Penelope, whose love for Lina seems the strong- 
est passion of her nature. But let my next letters 
arrive and I can see my way more clearly. There 
is some signal move coming. 1 see it by the in- 
creased vigilance of the Foss family. I feel it my- 
self intuitively, as we know by the air when the 
tempest is gathering.” 

He went out as he spoke the last words, and 
baring his head, allowed the fresh breeze to lift the 
damp locks from his forehead and cool the fever 
there. Slowly thence he strayed down the path 
until it brought him to the water’s edge. There he 
sat down, playing idly with the pebbles that strewed 
the sand, his head drooping, his eyes downcast. 
Two or three of the fishermen’s children, seeing 
him there, came laughing and skipping to his side. 
He had a cheery smile, and a bit of candy from the 
pocket that carried such a variety of treasures, for 
them, but soon fell off again into abstraction, and 
they strolled away again and left him to his musing. 

But there was one eye that never left him, nor 
lost a single expression of the grave and pensive 
face. 

Crouched among the thistle bushes which hedged 
about the tall rock at the taxidermist’s right hand 
was a rough, uncouth figure, and its wild, fierce 
eyes, filled with angry and baleful light, glowered' 
upon him, and followed after him when at length 
ISTat rose and took his way leisurely homeward, 
while a gaunt hand ^ was shaken wrathf ully after 
him, and a hoarse voice muttered : 

“ Curse you 1 I know you well enough. I haven’t 
forgot your knocking me down and balking as 
pretty a game as ever was started. I should like to 
know what you’re hanging about here for, and 
passing yourself off as Nat Womberg for. There’s 


106 


A SILVER BRAND. 


some meaning to it, and I’ll find it out, and I’ll get 
my revenge yet.” 


CHAPTER X. 

AUBREY’S STORY. 

“You are weary and dull. I do not entertain you,” said 
Lady Theresa, in a tone of deep mortification. “ Indeed, 
Herr Dalberg, I would I were able to frefe your pathway 
this very moment as far as your thoughts were straying. ” 

“ I don’t wonder at it. lam stupid company, I admit,” 
returned Aubrey Dalberg, coloring faintly. “I beg your 
pardon. I suppose you spoke to me, and I did not hear.” 

“Not once, or twice,” returned she, “but pray don’t 
apologize. It is not your fault, certainly ; either this en- 
forced imprisonment, or the dullness of your entertain- 
ment. But I am infinitely vexed with myself. I said to 
you, so arrogantly, that I would make your days here 
glide by in all pleasantness, "and I have failed so signally. 
It is not the lack of good will, but sheer stupidity on my 
part, believe me. Where lies the fault, I wonder? In 
out difference of nationalities ? I believe I may say, with- 
out vanity, that the power is given me to enliven, even to 
fascinate the majority of those of my own countrymen 
who have been thrown in my way. But with you I seem 
to myself insipid and shallow. Tell me how she talks and 
looks, the lady in your own ' land, who has pleased you 
best ?” 

Aubrey smiled at the earnestness of her tone, the per- 
plexity of her look. 

“ I am afraid that would be a difficult question to an- 
swer, Lady Theresa. In the first place, how do you know 
there is such a one ?” 

“ I do not. I was looking for your face to betray if it 
was so or not,” she returned, looking "at him with an arch 
smile dimpling her red lips, beneath which a slow flush 
rose to Aubrey’s forehead. 

She laughed, half-triumphantly, half-angrily. 

“ That is enough, sir lover. The fair American exists.” 

“I trust so, ’’.returned Aubrey, more composedly, “and* 
by the thousand, I hope.” 

“You do not deceive me. I understand now the languor 
and indifference which has counteracted all my efforts to 
please and entertain you. Come, confess, It will please 


A SILVER BRAND. 107 

yourself and amuse me. Show me what the ideal lady is 
like,” she pleaded. 

“Now you approach something like the truth. The 
ideal lady may be talked about, since the real and actual 
one is by no means an established fact. ” 

In the midst of the evidently pleasing reverie which 
brought that tender haze to his eyes he gave a sudden 
violent start. 

“Good heavens!” exclaimed he, “what a dolt I have 
been.” 

Lady Theresa looked at him in astonishment. 

“What are you talking about now, I pray you?” 

He was fumbling in his pockets, turning them over 
swiftly, and exclaimed, in a tone of keen disappointment 
and a little indignation : 

“ That is gone also. I suppose it is taken away with the 
pocket-book.” 

And then he pulled forward hastily the China ewer that 
bore in gold and crimson the coat of arms everywhere to 
be seen on the furniture of the place, and began studying 
it over with eagerness, muttering : 

“ It is the same. I da believe it is the very same ! How 
strange that it should not have occurred to me before !” 

“ I am waiting with a great deal of attempted patience 
to hear what it is all about, ” observed Theresa, dryly. 

He laughed, and turned his eager face to her. 

“Yes, I will tell you, and perhaps you can help me 
solve the riddle. I will tell you the whole stpry. It is 
unaccountable that after searching all through France and 
Grermany among the books of heraldry, I should have en- 
tirely forgotten the matter here. When I left home I 
made my way, at the advertised time, to the port from 
whence the steamer I had decided to take took her depar- 
ture, but found that she would be detained a couple of 
days later by a little accident to her machinery. It was 
not worth my while returning home, and as I had friends 
in the town to help beguile the time, I remained and spent 
two as pleasant days as I can look back upon anywhere in 
my life. Among other things I took a trip with a college 
chum in his sail-boat down the harbor, and explored with 
him the queer, bleak, but delightful shores below. And 
this was where the rather romantic adventure happened. 
We had fished, and smoked, and had our basket lunch, 
and were reclining idly on the seats watching the swelling 
waves break sleepily around us, when my friend discov- 


108 


A BILVEE BE AND. 


ered a yacht on the other side of the island, and recog- 
nized its pennant as that of one of his club rivals. 

“ ‘ Hurrah ! there’s Avery, as sure as fate !’ he ex- 
claimed, starting up eagerly, all his languor vanished. 
‘We’ll have a race back, and I’ll show you some pretty 
tactics, too. The old fellow has gone ashore on the other 
side to an old boatman’s cabin. I know what it’s for. It’s 
a stupid long walk, but I don’t mind if I can coax Avery 
to try a race back. Do you stay here, and do the best you 
can until I come back. ’ 

“I acquiesced and stretched myself out for a siesta. 
But somehow sleep forsook me the moment I made prepar- 
ations for it, and presently, the sun coming up over the 
rocks and beating down raher warmly, I took up the oar 
and sculled slowly toward a cool, shady inlet beyond. 
But when I had reached a satisfactory mooring- place there 
something drew me still further. I did not drop my 
•anchor, but lazily pushed the tiny craft along though the 
cool crystal that seemed to part for me sleepily, until I 
found what something seemed to assure me was waiting — 
an adventure. ” 

There came a soft glitter to his eye, a languid smile to 
his lips. The dreamy look on his face showed that he had 
forgotten his companion, and had gone back to the distant 
place and memory. 

“Well,” exclaimed Lady Theresa, impatiently, after she 
had waited ten minutes for the story to be resumed, “ you 
found Amphitrite, or Undine, or — what?” 

He gave a little start, and came back to the present. 

“ I beg your pardon for falling again into reverie. I was 
reviewing the rather singular circumstances. I found a 
young girl sitting upon a flat rock, with the water splash- 
ing all around it, cutting it off from shore. She seemed 
very busily occupied, and was either indifferent to or un- 
conscious of her isolation from land. Some sort of port- 
folio was lying in her lap, on which lay a sheet of drawing- 
paper, upon which she was busily at work. I had made 
no noise in my approach, and I held the boat stationary, 
and watched her.” 

“With admiration, of course,” interrupted his nobly- 
born listener, with just a perceptible curl of her red lip. 

“Yes, certainly, with admiration,” was his hasty return. 
“I remember, at the time, I said to myself she made the 
most beautiful picture I had ever seen off of canvas — her 
form was of such graceful lightness, her features so sym- 
metrical, the coloring so delicately blended.” 


A SIZVUE ZliAm. 


160 

“And her dress,” was the true feminine demand, in a 
tone of peremptory eagerness, “ was it silk or serge ?” 

“Indeed, I don’t think I can tell you exactly. It was 
some sort of flowing white, with pink ribbons, or was it 
pink with a white mantle? But what matter for the 
material ?” 

The lady shrugged her graceful shoulders. 

“ Only that I wanted to know if the heroine was of high 
or low estate. Well, go on. She was wondrously beauti- 
ful, and you fell in love ” 

“Did I ?*’ laughed Aubrey ; “your ladyship takes swift 
conclusion. Her beauty of feature was certainly the least 
of her charms. It was the fearless, naive, wild-bird man- 
ner that haunts and fascinates me still. She did not see 
me at first, you know, and worked away diligently at the 
drawing, pausing every moment to crest the graceful head 
backward and take a long and critical glance. Sometimes 
she nodded approval, and once she made a scarlet ring of 
her pretty mouth, and shook her head vehemently, filliping 
her Anger against the innocent pencil, as if the blame lay 
in that. 

“ I stood in the boat, oar in hand, holding my breath 
almost, lest I should disturb her, and quite forgetting the 
awkwardness of being discovered at such eavesdropping. 
Finally the drawing was finished to her evident satisfac- 
tion. She held it up, and then laughed out. I shall not 
attempt to describe all I fancied in that silvery gush of 
laughter. Analyze and describe for me what is in the 
wild bird’s carol, and you have a faint idea. 

“ ‘There!’ she exclaimed. ‘When my gallant prince 
comes the picture is ready for him. ’ 

“And with these words she rose from her rocky perch, 
and for the first time looked down in my direction. Im- 
agine the situation, if you please. 

“ There I was with my boat, oar in hand. I expected a 
scream of dismay or alarm, a panic of bashful confusion, 
for she was scarcely beyond the earliest girlhood, and was 
just about to assure her of my willingness to take hasty 
departure when she smiled upon me. Not boldly nor 
coquettishly, but warmly, frankly, with eagerness, and a 
bright flash went across the animated features. 

“ ‘Oh, indeed, you have already come and the drawing is 
just finished. This is delightul,’ she exclaimed. 

“Upon which I pushed the boat toward the rock. 

“ ‘You want me to set you on shore. The tide has come 
upon you, ’ I ventured in my most respectful tone. 


no 


A SIZVEB 


“ She looked down at the curling waves, and laughed 
again as she answered : 

“ ‘I did not know it. I have been so busy drawing, you 
see. And my thoughts have been away — so far away, in 
dreamland. I did not expect to see the prince so soon, 
though. ’ 

“ ‘The prince?’ I repeated, doubtfully. 

“ She burst into a merry peal of laughter that was so 
naive and childlike I could not refrain from joining it. 

“ ‘ That is what I call you. For I have been sure you 
would come. And you look like it, yes, I am sure you are 
very like what I imagined,’ she said, when she could 
speak without laughing at the perplexity of my face I sup- 
pose. ‘Of course you don’t understand, but I will tell you 
about it. ’ 

“ ‘Then come in the boat, please,’ I said, ‘it makes me 
giddy to see you moving so carelessly on the rock. ’ 

“She came unhesitatingly, with a child’s innocent frank- 
ness of trust, and took her seat at the bow, after a quick 
glance all about the rocks above us. 

“ ■‘ I am an enchanted princess, you know, ’ began she, 

‘ like the heroines of the old fairy tales, and I am shut up 
here, and guarded jealously.’ 

“ ‘ By dragons ?’ questioned I, merrily. 

“ At which she shook her head with a pretty, puzzled 
look that was exceedingly charming. 

“ ‘Not exactly, and yet Aunt Theodosia has a very 
dragonish disposition, and her looks nre not likely to belie 
the idea. Yes, I am sure, to carry out the fairy story. 
Aunt Theodosia must be a dragon. Is she not like it ? 
See !’ 

“ She made a few rapid strokes with her pencil on a bit 
of paper, and passed over to me an admirable caricature 
of a sharp, straight, stern-looking spinster, and a queer, 
gaunt rail of a man. 

“ ‘ There are the dragons, ’ declared she ; ‘ but dear, 
gentle Auntie Pen is a dove, who is enchanted also, and 
cannot help me, because of the dragons. So you see I have 
puzzled, and hoped, and dreamed. I knew, though, all the 
time that the gallant prince would come and break the 
spell. I am so glad to see you ; I know you will help me. ’ 

“ ‘Well, here is the boat. She is a witch when her sail 
is shaken out to a favoring breeze,’ I answered, hardly 
knowing whether to take her talk in jest or earnest; 
‘ whither shall I take you ?’ 

“The brightness dropped off from her face, yet did not 


A SILVER BRAND. 


Ill 


leave it any less sweet and lovely. She clasped her hands, 
and looked up into m'y face with the tears misting her 
eyes. 

“ ‘Oh, if I knew, if I only knew, would I not bid you 
throw out the sail speedily ? But that is what you are to 
do for me. See. ’ 

“She laid in my hand the drawing upon which she had 
been occupied. I looked at it with keen interest, for it was 
evidently a coat of arms. 

“ ‘It belongs to me, or I belong to it. I have stolen this 
clasp to-day to copy it out. It was the clasp to a bracelet 
I wore when I was a little babe. I learned that much from 
Auntie Pen. Year by year links have been added to the 
bracelet, but the clasp was long ago hidden away from me. 
But I found it in Auntie Pen’s drawer one day, and I 
coaxed enough out of her to know that it means some- 
thing, which she dares not tell. They tell other people 
that I am their niece, but they do not try to impose upon 
me. I knew somebody would come who would find it out 
for me. It is you ; take it, and search for me, and when 
you find out what it means, oh, come back to me speedily. 
Somewhere, oh, somewhere, I know — I am sure by the 
yearning aching of my heart — there is a loving spirit 
yearning and aching for me also. Find me father or 
mother, brother or sister,^ or at least the ancestral roof 
where that coat of arms belongs. ’ 

“ I could not help being deeply moved by her earnest- 
ness, and dropped my sportive tone and looked carefully 
at the drawing, while I said : 

“ ‘It is a happy thing that I am just on the eve of a pro- 
tracted European tour. Such badges and insignia belong 
to the old countries. You do not expect to find them here 
in America, I judge.’ 

“ ‘You are going to Europe! Oh, I knew a kind fate 
sent you hither. Shall you go to France and Germany ? 
I am sure in one or the other you will find the answer to 
my riddle. You are indeed the fairy prince ! You will 
find it for me 1’ 

“I looked at the tiny golden clasp in her hand, and saw 
that it bore, in minute and daintily graven lines, the same 
design which she had enlarged in the drawing. 

“ ‘I will certainly try,’ answered I, while I put the 
paper carefully in my pocket-book. 

“ ‘And when you find it you will hurry back to me?’ 

“ ‘Shall I find you here on the rock?’ I asked. 


112 


A SILVER BRAIW. 


“ ‘Let me ashore, and I will show yon where to come,’ 
replied she. 

“And when I had complied she^ led me a Will-o’-the- 
Wisp dance among the rocks, as it seemed to me ; but she 
had really been following a familiar path, and presently 
she stationed me at a gap in the scraggy natural wall, and 
told me to look up to an odd, dreary-looking building 
perched at the very top of the barren-island, while below, 
on the other side, was a row of low buildings like the 
cabins of fishermen. 

“ ‘There! the Kock House yonder is my cage. When 
you bring me the solution of that enigma the spells of 
wicked enchantment will fall away, and leave me free. 
Come thither, and insist upon seeing me, in spite of the 
dragons, like the gallant knight you are. Or, if I had a 
signal, I would find my way down here, though they 
locked and doubly -barred the doors. I fiy from windows 
already ; if those were closed against me I am not sure but 
I could use the chimney. ’ 

“ Her eye flashed with the spirit of an energetic nature 
while she said it. 

“‘If you are here at this island I will find you,’ re- 
turned I. 

“ ‘ I will watch for you, and pray for you, and wait till 
you come. Ah ! I forget. There is another circumstance 
to help you. Do you see this mark ? It has its significance, 
I know, because I have always worn a locked bracelet over 
it, and they keep the key, and are horrified at the idea of 
any one’s beholding this insignificant blemish upon my 
wrist. ’ 

“ She extended her left hand toward me, drawing away 
with the other the massive gold bracelet, which, as she 
said, had a locked bar upon it, to show me a round, dark 
spot on her wrist. ” 

Aubrey had spoken so far, and Lady Theresa listened 
with interest certainly, but yet in a certain sense care- 
lessly ; but here she gave a violent start and turned pale. 

“ Upon her wrist ! Good heavens 1” exclaimed she. 

Aubrey turned upon her quickly. 

“ It has a meaning then ? All at once it has just flashed 
over me that while I have carefully consulted all the books 
of heraldry in England and France, and at Berlin, the 
whole affair has. been thrust out of my mind by the pecu- 
liar circumstances of my visit here. The paper she gave 
me has gone with my pocket-book and passport, but I am 
almost positive that the crest yonder is a fac simile of her 


A SIZVJSB BBAXD. 113 

drawing. Can you give me any explanation, Lady 
Theresa 

She shook her head slowly, conquering her agitation, 
and guarding herself against further indiscretion. 

“Nay,” pleaded Aubrey ; “do not turn me off with eva- 
sion. Surely I have a claim upon your help. It has been 
a matter of sincere disappointment and grief to me that I 
must return to America without accomplishing this errand. 
I shall not regret the detention and ruse you have so often 
asked me to pardon if it enables me to carry a satisfactory 
story to the watchful Undine there on that dreary island.” 

“You may tell to my father the romantic story. Per- 
chance he may throw some light upon it. But it is very 
singular. And she is so lovely then ?” 

“ Most lovely ; and as pure-minded and refined as spir- 
ited and charming. But I am sure you know something 
about the mark. I did not give so much heed to it myself 
because there is one almost precisely like it on my own 
wrist. ” 

“ Show it to me !” spoke Lady Theresa, imperiously. 

He unfastened the gold sleeve links, pushed away the 
linen wristband, and showed her there upon the left wrist 
a purple brown mark. 

“I used to tell mother it was more like a huge blot of 
India ink than a mole,” observed he, “for you perceive 
that the stain has little branching lines. ? 

The girl looked a moment with knitted brows, a wonder- 
ing awe deepening in her eyes. Then she rose and left the 
room, returning, however, a moment afterward with some- 
thing shut closely in her hand. 

“Close your eyes a moment, Herr Dalberg, I beg.” 

Smiling lightly, he obeyed. 

She hastily held the magnifying glass she had brought 
above the black mark, looked an instant, dropped the glass 
into her pocket, and sat down hastily, drawing a long, 
tremulous breath. 

“Well?” asked Aubrey. 

“You are to tell my father this singular story. And I 
am eager to hear the rest. You promised this beautiful 
princess that you would bring her back the explanation of 
all the mystery about her, the key to which she naturally 
enough supposed this coat of arms will prove. And what 
reward were you to receive in return ?” 

“Do you think I was so mercenary as that?” exclaimed 
Aubrey, indignantly. 

“ Oh, but there are various degrees of reward. A favor 


114 


A SlZVEJi 


from the fair hand, a smile, possibly even the lovely prin- 
cess herself, ” spoke Theresa, sharply. “ Is it one or all 
you are dreaming of finding there when you return 

And to herself she said : 

“Stephano was not a day too soon. This handsome, 
genial young fellow might have proved a formidable rival 
in the girl’s favor if he turns out to be nothing nearer.” 

Aubrey was a little resentful of her manner, and put on 
an air of dignity. 

“Indeed, Lady Theresa, I think I have told you all now. 
“ My dreams, if you please, I will keep to myself. ” 

Before she could reply there came the treble tap, the 
baron’s signal, at the locked door. He came in quietly, 
but the moment his daughter locked the door again behind 
him he drew out a letter and waved it triumphantly. 

“Good news, Theresa. There is such relief to my mind. 
-A letter from Eoderich, and see the sentence written in 
the significant style we agreed upon. ‘The little illness I 
brought away from Schwarzenberg is safely gone from 
me, at which you will rejoice also^, I am sure. Stephano 
has safely eluded even their vigilance. He has long ago 
arrived in America. ” 

Then he turned and wrung Aubrey’s hand gratefully. 

“Oh, my friend, do not be angry at us. It means so 
much for us, and the disappoinment is such a trifie to you. 
Let me thank you again and again for your forbearance. 
Now we will turn all our thoughts toward managing your 
departure. ” 

“ He has a little story to tell you and an odd mark on his 
wrist to show you. I will go and entertain Von Schubert 
and keep him away from disturbing you, ” said Theresa, 
bowing gracefully and making a speedy retreat. 


CHAPTER XI. 

SERENA AT HOME. 

Serena moored her boat in its snug hiding-place among 
the tall rocks and hurried up the sandy beach. She left 
the broad, well-beaten walk which wound tortuously from 
the one unpretentious wharf to the highway and struck 
out her own path across the fields, emerging presently into 
a pretty, rustic lane, whose walls were tangled thickly 
with wild roses and clambering grape vines. The humble, 


A SILVER BRAND. 


115 


unpainted cottaj^e at the end of the lane was the only 
home the girl j’emembered. The little homestead was 
owned by an honest, elderly couple, who lived in one-half 
the house and rented the other, only too willingly, to 
such quiet, respectable tenants as the mild, reserved old 
lady and her graceful granddaughter had proved. 

They were sitting in the cool portico, chatting together 
over^the olden times ; the two old ladies and Serena came 
upon them unawares, but the moment her grandmother 
caught sight of her the aged face brightened with a tender 
glow, and she rose up quickly. 

“My Serena is home again, Mrs. Haynes.” 

“La sakes, Madam Peyron, so she is. And she brings 
the sunshine with her. Bless her two beautiful eyes. 
What a girl she is. You don’t know nothing about the 
tryirTg, provoking, uneasy things that girls can be, Madame 
Peyron — no, you don’t. I don’t believe there was ever 
another like her. ” 

The old lady — Madame Peyron — as the country people 
had grown to name her, out of a vague respect for the old- 
country courtliness of manner that her new-world ex- 
perience could not divest her of — looked toward the ad- 
vancing figure with proud, fond eyes, as she replied : 

“She is the blessing of my old age. While I have her I 
cannot sigh even for a grave in my native land.” 

By this time Serena had reached their pretty rustic re- 
treat. 

“Out in the cool resting? that is comfortable !” she said. 
“Grandmother, dear, I hope you have conjured up some- 
thing exceedingly nice for me to make for your supper. 
Your chickebiddies have behaved so generously to us. 
Mrs. Haynes, I feel quite rich in the pantry, with very 
grand possibilities looming before me. ” 

And already she had taken oft the thick gloves which 
protected her hands while rowing, and laid aside the linen 
mantle. 

“And how is the side-ache, grandma? You have not 
been a naughty, disobedient woman, I trust. You 
haven’t hemmed any more of that ruffling ? I thought, 
after I was away, it would have been wise in me to have 
locked it up, then I could have skipped it over in the 
morning myself.” 

“You have enough to do, my child,” said Madame Peyron, 
tenderly ; “but you make it all light by your cheerful dis- 
position. I took a few stitches more, and it was no harm 
to me. Have you had a pleasant row ?” 


A siLvm bhani). 


\u 

“Ever so pleasant. And I am rested by it, ” answered 
Serena, opening the door, and passing into the house but 
reappearing the next moment at the open window, tying 
on her checked apron. 

“Do hear her now !” cried old Mrs. Haynes, admiringly; 
“ all the other school-marms I ever knew came home tired 
and wilted down, and so cross you couldn’t touch ’em a 
yard off. But a change of work is all she asks. ” 

“ But I’ve been out on the water, Mrs. Haynes, and that 
is always a happiness to me, ” interposed Serena, gently, 
while she broke the pearly eggs into her white dish, and 
took up the whisk. 

“ But you had to row yourself. And I like to see any 
other girl as would call that pleasure. ” 

“ Then they lose a great- deal of enjoyment as well as 
health. Grandma’s doctrines in that respect are a saving 
truth. She wouldn’t let me fall into your lazy American 
ways, Mrs. Haynes,” laughed Serena. 

“ Lazy Americans ! well, I declare now ! I’ve heard our 
folks .called everything else but lazy. Even them as is as 
shiftless as can be, work pretty hard to get clear o’ work.” 

“Yes, that’s where it is so odd,” persisted Serena, thor- 
oughly enjoying Mrs. Haynes’ amazement. “ I don’t think 
there ever was a people before who were such tireless toil- 
ers at their real business, and such aimless drivelers 
where the necessary recreation is concerned. There is my 
rowing. You always exclaimed in horror at the thought. 
Who ever would expect to see a girl rowing a boat ? But 
this wise little grandma nodded her head, and twinkled her. 
eyes, and said it was the best thing in the world for my 
arms, and my chest, and above all for my brain. Oh, 
how I thank her for it ! For besides giving me strength 
and health, it opens to me a kingdom of delights whenever 
I choose to enter there. To-day now it was really tire- 
some and hot, and close, in the school-room. The little 
things felt it, and were restless, and troublesome, and 
when I came out I had a tight feeling across my chest and 
my head ached with the buzz and stir of the restless chil- 
dren. I was almost as tired as I have ever been, since I 
began school. And I suspect grandma saw it. And she 
sent me out to the boat. Ah, I wish I could show all the 
listless weary girls in the land what a new life rushes 
through every nerve with the glorious exercise. The soft 
plash of the waves was such a soothing hymn after the 
school din, the fresh rush of the air across my forehead 
swept off every ache, and each unhealthy, morbid thought 




ilf 

fled ashamed from out my brain. The very warmth of the 
sun had its beneficent gift. There ! you see I am home 
again, invigorated, and as good, perhaps a little better 
than new. See my eggs froth !” 

She laughed softly as she finished, as if aware that her 
talk had strayed off a little beyond good Mrs. Haynes’ fol- 
lowing, and fell to whisking furiously at the eggs. 

“ There’s a bit of cream in a chiny-bowl in my closet, 
if you want it. I shan’t use it myself. Him and I are 
poor enough in appetite this warm spell,” quoth Mrs. 
Haynes, watching the dextrous movements of the fair arm 
and slender fingers, and not exactly knowing how to reply 
to the other portion of her argument. 

“If I take it, you must join us at supper ; that will be 
fair, won’t it, grandma? And perhaps you will enjoy my 
omelet for not doing anything about it yourself. One gets 
weary of one’s own. And it’s wise, too, isn’t it, for so we 
are kept from getting selfish, and hiding away by our- 
selves.” 

“There’s nothing selfish about you, Serena Peyron, and 
there hain’t been since ever you came into this house,” 
was Mrs. Haynes’ hearty indorsement. “I do believe if 
anything could make a sick person hungry it would be 
your tea-setting, for it’s just a picture you make it. And 
I’ll stay to-night, with many thanks.” 

“ I wonder if I can’t coax out of grandma one of her 
little plum jars, in honor of our guests,” laughed Serena. 
“I’m ever so pleased, Mrs, Haynes, about your staying, 
especially because I promised to go across to the island 
again this evening, and I wouldn’t like this little woman 
to get lonesome.” 

“ Going again, Serena ! I don’t believe in the night air, 
if I do approve your afternon rows,” remonstrated Madame 
Peyron. 

“I won’t do it again, dear,” answered Serena, gently; 
“but this time I couldn’t very well help it. You see there 
was a little unpleasantness this afternoon. Lina’s aunt 
came, and she was angry, 'and— to appease all I promised 
to come again this evening. You know the moonlight will 
be glorious. ” 

“I should like to see this Lina,” observed the grand- 
mother, meditatively. “ I wonder that she never comes 
to see you, Serenat” 

“It is not her fault. I wish indeed you might see and 
know her. Such another precious, willful, darling creat- 
ure can hardly exist. It is such a wonder when her rela- 


118 


A SIZVm BRAND. 


lives are so strange, and cold, and stiff. This Miss Pen- 
elope had very strange ways. I almost thought her afraid 
or angry with me. But it could hardly be.” 

“Miss Penelope !” repeated Madame Peyron. “She is a 
singular woman, a very strange woman ; but she has a 
kind heart, and more than onqe, when you were small, 
Serena, has helped me with a generous hand. ” 

“You know her !” exclaimed Serena, in utter astonish- 
ment.: “You know Lina’s Aunt Penelope, grandmother?” 

“It is she, the countrywoman I have talked to you 
about, who has lent me a helping hand in my sore need. I 
had seen her once or twice in the old country. But she 
had always proud and reserved ways. ” 

Serena stood silent, looking down thoughtfully, when at 
length she spoke, it was abruptly : 

“Grandmother, can you help Lina about her mystery? 
If you knew these Fosses in their native land, you can ex- 
plain to her much that puzzles and distresses her.” 

“No, dear, I am afraid I cannot help. I knew nothing 
whatever of the family. This Penelope was a chance 
acquaintance, made at the hospital where your mother 
died. She was kind to me then, although there w'-as al- 
ways a hard, cold way about her that spoiled half her 
goodness. I suppose my sorrow and the pitiful strait in 
which I was left moved her compassion. For she took a 
good deal of pains to obtain assistance for me. And she 
helped me about coming to America, and twice after she 
arrived herself she came to see me. She has always 
seemed to have interest enough to keep track of me, 
though of late she has not given any sign of her remem- 
brance. Well, well, I shall never cease to be thankful 
for the help she gave when I needed it most. ” 

“You cannot tell where she lived, nor how it is Lina is 
with them,” said Serena, in a tone of disappointment. 

“No, certainly not. I only knew Miss Penelope, and 
that, as I have told you, as a chance acquaintance. ” 

“lam sorry. I have dreamed almost as romantic visions 
about Lina as she can have done herself. Nothing can be 
too grajid or beautiful for her, I think. ” 

“ It is all somebody else ; you have never any grand 
things for yourself, I suppose,” said Mrs. Haynes. “Shall 
you be contented with your school keeping all your life ?” 
Serena laughed softly. 

“Oh, no, indeed. I am to shine in some of Lina’s re- 
flected greatness. If she is queen, I am to be the favorite 
maid of honor. If she proves some grand lady, I am to be 


A SILVEB BBAWB, 


119 


her cherished friend and companion. I am deeply inter- 
ested in her high hopes, her magnificent prospects, you 
see. But I must not be chattering here with you ; I must 
attend to my hostess duties. Sit quietly, both of you, 
until I call you.” 

When the pleasant meal was over, and the table had 
been removed, and the shining ware returned to the closet 
fresh and cleansed, Serena came out herself to the porch, 
and sat there a little while, with her head resting against 
her grandmother’s knee, and her cool, soft hand nestling 
in the aged palm. 

“Grandma, dear,” said she, softly, “there is nothing for 
me to build an air castle upon, is there ?” 

“I don’t think I know what you mean, Serena,” returned 
the old lady, smoothing the soft hair from the broad 
forehead. 

Serena lifted her hand, and pointed to the wrist. 

“Is there any meaning to that? Did you ever hear of 
any family who had it as a birthmark? We read of such 
things sometimes.” 

“ No, dear, I never did. It doesn’t show as it used to. 
It was so much larger when that was a little baby arm. 
And yet it was full a month after your birth before I 
noticed it at all. Because I was so full of trouble, I sup- 
pose, and my eyes were dim all the time weeping for my 
poor daughter’s death.” 

“ Tell me about my mother. There is always comfort 
thinking about my mother. She was good, and beautiful, 
and refined, I know,” cried out the girl, impulsively. 

“I have told you so many times,” replied Madame 
Peyron, sadly. “ She was a pretty girl, and good, too. 
But you know she was not a lady. She was only a blythe 
seamstress when she met poor Gottlieb first, and sad 
enough was the end' for her. Alack a day !” 

“Do I look like her, grandmother?” 

The old lady shook her head slowly. 

“No; it has always seemed strange tome, Serena, that 
there is not a look like father or mother. You have a 
grander way with you, more like the gentle folk. I have 
minded it ever since you were a mere toddling thing.” 

“But I am really and truly your daughter’s child?” per- 
sisted Serena, lifting up her head, and looking full with 
those clear, soft eyes into the other’s face. 

“Really and truly ! What else could you be? Serena, 
child, you have some strange things in your mind. Have 
I ever given you .into any care but my own, from the day 


120 


A SILVER BRAND. 


I brought you out of the hospital? Was I not there to 
christen you with my tears ? Heaven be praised that they 
did not endow you with a troubled and sorrowful nature — 
when you were first laid beside your dying mother. I 
hope your friend’s grand visions have not made you 
ashamed or weary of the humble old grandmother I” 

Serena rose up and fiung her arms about the old lady’s 
neck, and kissed her fondly. 

“ Ashamed, indeed ! You wicked, naughty woman, to 
hint at such a thing ! Doesn’t Mrs. Haynes know how 
proud I am of you. ^ Never, indeed, if I can help it, shall 
you have a moment’s reproach to cast at the child for 
whose helpless infancy you cared so tenderly and toiled 
so tirelessly. The strange thought did not come from me. 
It was put into my head by Mr. Nathaniel’s look rather 
than his speech. It is gone now, however, and it is thor- 
oughly exorcised, and will never come back. Now let me 
tell you a pretty little story about one of my scholars, a 
cunning little witch, as full of mischief as a rose of sweet- 
ness. And then I must go down again to the boat. I will 
take the key — and you must not lie awake, or sit up 
watching for me to come. ” 

An hour afterward Serena was gliding down amid the 
purple shadows of the beach, which could gather no deeper 
color because the large round moon had swung out slow 
and majestic where the crimson sunset glories were still 
faintly refiected in the eastern sky. She made her way 
swiftly toward the hiding-place where her boat was kept, 
and started back a little nervously, when she saw a tall 
figure pacing just below upon the sands. It moved away 
a short distance upon her approach, and, after a moment’s 
hesitation, Serena pushed out the boat, and took the oars. 

At which the figure again approached, and a mellow 
voice spoke with gentlemanly courtesy and the utmost re- 
spectfulness, in rather quaintly accented English : 

“Can I not be of assistance ? I am at your service.” 

“ I need none, thank you. I am perfectly used to the 
oars, and my boat is light,” returned she. 

“It is yours then? I have been looking at it longingly. 
I was never more tempted to make free with another’s 
property in my life. By some stupidity the fisherman who 
was to have rowed me over to yonder island, has gone 
without me. And I cannot find another boat. ” 

Serena had been steadily pushing off, but at this she 
hesitated, “ Over to the island ?” she repeated. 


A mzvm BRAND. 1-21 

“Yes. I have a little business with the hermit taxi- 
dermist there. He is waiting for me, I suppose.” 

And he looked longingly toward the fair boatman. 

The prow was turned promptly, and she said, in quiet 
dignity for all the frank kindliness of her manner : 

I am going to the island myself. There is no reason 
why I should not give you a seat in my boat, for Mr. 
Nathaniel is a kind friend of mine also.” 

^ The gentleman came bounding into the boat with alac- 
rity. Serena saw now that he was young and handsome. 

“ And you will give me the oars,” he said, gallantly. “ I 
am sure I cannot allow you to row me that long distance. ” 

She looked at him a moMi^nt doubtfully, but ended by 
vacating her seat and yieldmg up the oars. 

When she saw the shapely white hands bend them- 
selves to their task she gave a little sigh of relief. He 
was no novice as she had feared. Beneath his even, 
powerful strokes the little craft bounded forward like a 
thing alive. 

She smiled, leaned back in her seat, and slowly removed 
the thick gloves from her hands. 

He caught the expression of her face, and gave a little, 
mellow laugh. 

“You thought Lshould have to come back to your guid- 
ance. Well, are you satisfied that I am able to manage 
your boat ?” 

“Yes,” returned Serena ; “ I discovered that you are one 
of the fraternity. It is easy enough to recognize the true 
lovers of the water. I dare say you will find those oars 
too light. They were made for me, you know. I am not 
sure but the sail might be set, and spare you the labor, 
though we could not make so straight a course. ” 

“I am in no hurry myself,” said the young gentleman, 
with another of those bright, sunny flashes across his face 
as he smiled. “ I have a mind to try the sail if you don’t 
object. It is a lovely evening. See what silver veins the 
waves are gathering. And the air is balmy sweetness, as 
if wafted from fair Araby itself. It is a sin, indeed, to 
make haste in such a fairy experience.” 

Serena’s clear cheek had taken a tinge of color. 

“ Nay, but when I come to remember I am in haste my- 
self,” she said. 

“That alters the case, although I can but regret it. 
To-night this moonlight almost b^eautifies yonder dreary 
island.” 

“Dreary,” repeated Serena, in surprise. “I never 


m 


A SILVER BRAND. 


thought it dreary. It has been always charming to me. ” 
“What, with those bare, bleak rocks, and the scanty 
vegetation, and the chilled, stunted look of everything ?” 
he returned, possibly with as much desire to draw her out 
as to carry on his assertion. “To me who remember 
islands festooned with vines, and gorgeous with flowers, 
and embellished with graceful towers or picturesque ruins, 
yonder is a forlorn and wretched spot, and- 1 wonder how 
any one who has known any different scene can be content • 
to remain. ” I 

“Who has known different !” repeated Serena, pensively. 
“That, is just the secret of all the world’s happiness I 
suspect. Grandmamma now wH agree with you, but to 
the fishermen and the rest, and*Bven to me, there are many 
things charming and attractive. ” 

“ I wish I could show you an island over the ocean — a 
gem of peerless beauty, where all around is fair and 
charming !” he exclaimed, warmly. “ Beholding that 
would be enough to prove the dreariness of this. ” 

“Over the ocean,” returned Serena. “I wish, indeed, 
you might. I was born in the fairest land of all over 
there, so my grandmother declares. She owns that the 
Ehine is well worth the poet’s chanting, but she declares 
that the Danube flows through loveliest scenes of all. ” 
“You, too, were born there!” exclaimed the young 
gentleman. “No wonder you had a look to me that re- 
minded me of my childish visions of the Madonna. And 
can you be content to linger here ?” 

“ I remember nothing of it all — nothing at all,” she an- 
swered, sorrowfully. “I was only a tiny babe when I 
came away. But it is one of my keenest pleasures to read 
and hear about it. Tell me about your isle. Give me the 
glorious picture, that I may frame it in memory’s endur- 
ing gold.” 

The words dropped languidly, but the tone was sweetly 
tender ; a clear, luminous smile lighted the deep blue eyes 
and played softly about the exquisite lips. She had re- 
moved her hat, and the moonlight glistened upon the 
golden-brown hair, and made it very ^asy for the enthusi- ( 
astic man at the oar to imagine it an aureole. | 

Never had he seen a pictured saint more sweetly fair, 
never before met eyes that seemed alike to calm and thrill 
him. 

He dropped the oars slowly and noiselessly into the 
transparent waves that broke into showers of pearl and 
diamond, and scarcely moving his eyes from the sweet, 


A SILVER BRAND, 


123 


dreamy countenance that faced him, went off into an elo- 
quent, romantic, Claude Melnotte sort of rhapsody. It 
was a paradise, indeed, that he described. Serena’s eyes 
shone with soft and lambent light; her white fingers 
clasped themselves in a sort of ecstasy. She drew bne 
long, quivering sigh as he paused. 

'•Oh, how lovely, how lovely! Eden itself could not 
outvie the picture you have drawn. And it is in my native 
land,” she murmured. 

“And mine. We cannot feel ourselves strangers since 
our hearts both yearn to the same dear land. You must 
return to it, ” he said, eagerly. 

“Some day, perhaps— who knows ? Oh, if Lina’s fairy 
heritage might be there !” she returned. And then remem- 
bering her errand, she started and looked around her 
hastily. 

“See, your eloquent words have beguiled my thoughts. 
You are not aiming for the landing place. You are losing 
time and labor, and they are waiting for me, I fear.” 

“ I confess I am not anxious to land. It is so pleasant 
to talk of home to a sympathetic ear, ” he ventured. 

“ But you must hasten to set me ashore. I must not 
make them wait. And I am to return again to-night. ” 

“ Alone ?” he asked, quickly. 

“Yes, there is nothing to harm me. I think I see some 
one down upon the shore. You are only playing with the 
oars.” 

Upon which he bent himself more heartily to his work, 
and the keel was soon grating upon the sand of the island 
shore. 

She sprang out lightly, and waited a moment to see the 
anchor thrown, out. 

“You have earned your passage, sir, and made me your 
debtor besides. I thank you very much. I shall never 
forget the picture, and I shall know your island when I 
see it. Adieu.” 

“ And may I not even know your name?” he asked, rue- 
fully. 

She had already turned her steps into the path, but she 
paused to smile softly and reply : 

“You may know a little of it, certainly. It is Serena.” 

“ Serena !” repeated the gentleman ; “it is the only name 
that befits you, though I should never have guessed it, 
but it is a name that I shall never forget. I have the 
honor to thank you for your boat, and your company. 
Cood-e veiling, Serena, my countrywoman !” 


124 


A iSILVUH BRAND. 


The silvery moonlight waxed brighter and brighter, until 
all the sandy beach glistened like a jeweled ribbon. The 
young gentleman did not mount the path. He watched 
the graceful figure wind among the rocks and disappear, 
then stepped in amid a briery thicket near the shore and 
settled himself as comfortably as might be, muttering : 

“ I will see her off at least. And I would risk consider- 
able to obtain another word. Such a saintly creature has 
never crossed my path before. Her very presence is 
enough to calm my wild spirit like a benediction. I must 
learn more about her. Serena I A sweet, serene soul, 
certainly. ” 

Meanwhile, in the rustic cottage that nestled in the little 
valley to which the lane led, safe on the mainland. Grand- 
mother Peyron said her prayers, fervently commending 
her beloved one to the keeping of all the saints, and then 
went to sleep calmly and trustfully. She woke twice in 
the night, and looked out at the bright moonlight, but did 
not rise. Serena, of course, she thought, had come in be- 
fore that time, and must have enjoyed her row, and her 
walk from the beach. The third time of her waking the 
broad daylight was streaming into the room. She started 
up and rubbed her eyes, and then, smiling softly, crept up 
noiselessly, and dressed herself. 

“I will have breakfast once for Serena, and laugh at her 
for oversleeping,” she said to herself. 

She passed out into the -kitchen. But there she stopped 
abruptly, and stared around her bewilderedly. 

The clock had run down. The door was locked, but the 
bolt was still unslipped, as she had left it for the girl’s 
entrance with the key. The whole room lacked the final 
touches that Serena’s hand always gave before she retired. 

Wheeling about, with a low cry of mingled entreaty and 
consternation, Madame Peyron hurried as fast as her 
trpmbling limbs would carry her into the adjoining bed- 
room. 

It was empty ! The bed smooth, the pillow impressed. 
A wild, foreboding dread fell upon the poor old woman. 
She staggered away to the door, and called shrilly, half 
unconscious of the agonized terror in her voice : 

•‘Oh, Mrs. Haynes! Mrs. Haynes! come and tell me 
what to do. Something dreadful has happened !-— some- 
thing dreadful has happened this night. Serena has never 
come home ! My child is not here !” 


A mKSiJ BRAND. 


125 


CHAPTER XII. 

“who are you?” 

When the dew began to fall and the brooding sunset 
shadows to gather on the water, Penelope Foss, holding 
fast to Lina’s hand, made her way forth from the Rock 
House and went down toward the beach, not, however, 
by the regular path nor toward the public landing-place. 

Her face showed marks of some severe mental strain, 
and was pale and weary looking. Lina kept glancing fur- 
tively toward it, and the vague awe it inspired forbade 
her to disturb its present composure by idle questioning. 

She only ventured to inquire : 

“Does Aunt Theodosia know that we have left the 
house. Auntie Pen ?” 

“Your Uncle Paul understands about it, and has in- 
structed me in reference to all my movements,” returned 
Penelope, listlessly, and then she added, with a quiver of 
emotion in her voice, “ Oh, Lina, if only you could have 
been content without these strangers, how much easier it 
would be for me. ” 

“It might be easier still if I could do without food, or 
air, or sunshine,” answered %ina, pettishly, “but it is im- 
possible to change one’s nature.” 

Penelope gave a long and troubled sigh. 

“This is a weary world,” she muttered, under her 
breath. 

“ I think it might be a beautiful one, ” exclaimed the im- 
pulsive Lina. “ I am sure when I hear Serena tell about 
her pleasant life at home it seems to me she must be as 
happy as the days are long. Think how I should enjoy 
teaching school and coming home to you in a snug little 
home, where there was no restraint and no secret. It 
would be only a pleasure to work together, and the spend- 
ing of our tiny earnings would be a very luxury of enjoy- 
ment. Oh, Auntie Pen, if I were only free to come and 
go, and there were no haunting secrets, you and I living 
together as Serena and her grandmother do, we might be 
the two happiest creatures in the world.” 

Penelope heard this girlish rhapsody not as one might 
suppose with the indulgent, pitying smile of superior 


126 


A JSIZVIJB BRAND. 


knowledge and experience, but with an inward spasm of 
agitation that paled her cheek to a still ghastlier hue, and 
gave her eyes a glassy -film almost, it would seen, of con- 
sternation and horror. 

She did not answer a word, only ’ put one hand to her 
heart and stopped still in her walk, wavering to and fro as 
if from the efects of a heavy blow. 

“ Auntie Pen !” exclaimed Lina, frightened and remorse- 
ful, as was ever the way with her quick, generous nature, 
“ what have I said to hurt you ? I did not mean it, indeed 
I did not mean it. ” 

“No, poor child, lam sure you did not,” replied Pe- 
nelope, in a hollow voice, and then looking up to the dark- 
ening sky, and involuntarily lifting an imploring hand, 
she added, drearily, “We are none of us sure of our mean- 
ings. Oh, Heaven, pity and forgive !” 

And then she hurried forward so swiftly the girl could 
scarcely keep step. Arrived at the appointed place of 
meeting, Penelope sat down and dropped her head into her 
clasped hands. Lina looked at her wistfully a few mo- 
ments and then went up on the rocks to watch for Serena’s 
boat, and perching there, presently fell into a dreamy 
reverie of her own, which was not without its pleasantness, 
judging by the soft smile which crept over her lips and 
left its hazy gleam in her eyes. 

Neither knew of the taxidermist’s approach until his tall 
form stood before her and hi^eep voice spoke ; 

“MissFoss.” 

Penelope drew away her hands with a little nervous 
catch of the breath and stood up before him the grave, 
prim, reserved Miss Foss again. 

“ You have kept the appointment, I am glad to see. You 
will give those two innocent creatures another hour of 
their happy companionship,” he went on, courteously. 

Penelope looked around. 

“The girl you call Serena has not come yet. I have only 
so much time to give. You will see it is not my fault if 
the hour is abridged,” she said, coldly. 

“ It is coming. I see the boat coming,” called Lina, joy- 
fully. “Serena is coming.” 

Penelope’s face darkened. 

“ Why do you dislike Serena ?” asked Nat, gently ; “ A 
purer, nobler soul does not exist. I count her calm, be- 
nign influence the very happiest this willful, impetuous, 
spirited little creature can receive from any source.” 

A little flush stole into Penelope’s pallid cheeks. 


A SILVER BRANJD. 


1^7 


“I have given no evidence of a personal dislike to the 
girl. It is not our wish to encourage Lina’s intimacy with 
any one. ” 

“ Human nature demands congenial companionship, and 
young people will find youthful associates of one sort or 
another. Better encourage what is good rather than drive 
to what is injurious,” he returned, gently. 

An uneasy and defiant look came over Penelope ’'s face. 

“ I understood what this meeting meant,” she said. “ It 
was not so much to see this Serena that I came. I knew 
you would be here.” 

He glanced toward Lina, who was eagerly watching the 
boat. 

“Lina,” spoke up Penelope, sharply, “you may go down 
the path to meet your friend. ” 

“ Oh, Auntie Pen, if I might go into the boat and sit 
with Serena — if you would let her row me a little ways, 
only just a little ways from the shore.” 

The ^oman was troubled and perplexed — she scarcely 
understood the full meaning of the request, and answered, 
hurriedly : 

“There can be no harm — go.” 

And Lina, with a little laugh of triumph, bounded 
away. When she wa^ gone Penelope Foss faced her com- 
panion with a pale stern, resolutely steeled countenance. 

“ Who are you ?” demanded she, fiercely, “ and why have 
you come here to watch us ?” 

Nat was a trifle disconcerted by this abrupt onset. 

“ To watch you !” he stammered. “ Is not that a harsh 
accusation ? I am exceedingly fond of Lina, and my in- 
terest for her is only natural. ” 

She waved an impatient and authoritative hand. 

“ I ask you who you are ? It is idle to try subterfuge, 
either on your side or on mine. If -we are enemies we 
have either to arrange terms of capitulation, or to sound 
the battle-cry, and try which is strongest and in the safest 
position. I have not brought my brDthers to talk with 
you. I have not even yet given them a hint of my sus- 
picions concerning you, because I hope to convince you 
myself how much better it is for you to retreat at once. ” 

“I hope I am not an enemy. Miss Voss,” returned Nat, 
by this time recovering his composure. 

He had left an unconscious emphasis on the name, at 
which her lips twitched. 

“Foss, if you please,” she said, curtly. 

“As you please. I unconsciously gave the German 


m 


A SILVER RRAKD. 


name. But that is but a trifle. What I would so earnestly 
impress upon you is my tender and unselfish desire for 
Lina’s happiness,” he returned, “my earnest wish to be 
your friend also.” 

“ The best way to accomplish both is to leave us in 
peace,” she said, indignantly. 

“ Nay, on the contrary, that is the way to insure the 
poor child’s ' life-long misery. Miss Penelope, listen to 
me, I conjure you, and be persuaded. You do not know, 
you cannot have heard to what this innocent creature is 
destined, or I know the love you bear her would have 
given you the same impulse that has come to me — a pas- 
sionate desire to snatch her away and hide her from every 
German eye. ” 

Penelope stood catching her breath spasmodically, as 
though the air was close and suffocating. She looked at 
him gloomily, and then burst forth : 

“ I said before that subterfuge was idle. I cannot pre- 
tend to misunderstand your allusions, and yet I declare to 
you I know nothing that is not bright and' grand, and de- 
lightful for her waiting there. Heaven forgive me ! it is 
only my own loneliness and heartache that terrifies me. 

I have said this much, but I will say no more until you ex- 
plain to me how it is that you, whom we supposed a harm- 
less hermit, have penetrated into this carefully guarded 
secret. Show me how much you know.” 

“You love the child,” murmured Nat, more to himself 
than to her ; “whatever else may puzzle me, that much is 
sure. I don’t know why it is, Penelope Foss, but some- 
thing seems to assure me that when you see the truth of 
this thing you will help me.” 

“ Yes, I love her. Heaven knows I lovo her full well, if 
not wisely,” answered Penelope. 

“ And you would not see her given into that demon’s 
grasp. I wonder how far you Foss people have been 
trusted with the plans of the master mind which brought 
all this about. ” 

Penelope shook her head grimly. 

“I told you my lips were sealed. I will speak nothing 
until I know how far you are enlightened,” she said. 

“But I will be more generous,” he returned, gravely. 
“I trust all my hopes upon the single truth I know about 
you— -that you love Lina. For her sake you will not 
dare betray me, even though I cannot win you to my side. 
I say to you frankly that I have been enlisted by your 
own high-born patron, but that, loving this innocent creat* 


A SILVER BRAND. 


129 


ure, I shrink and tremble at the fate awaiting her. See, 
read those letters ; one will explain that I am lawfully in 
possession of my knowledge, and the other will betray to 
you something of the hideousness of the life planned out 
for this pure-souled, sensitive, spirited young girl.” 

He drew forth two letters, one yellow with time^ and the 
other fresh and white. 

“ Is there light enough for you to read them by ? Or 
will you have a taper ? They will show you the situation 
better than any explanation of mine. ” 

She took the letters and the offered taper, and turned 
her back upon him. But the flaring blue flame she was 
obliged to call to her aid showed him the grim and rigid 
profile. 

The first letter brought forth no word of any sort, but 
she had scarcely scanned the first page of the second be- 
fore she gave a little cry of consternation. 

“It is not true ! it is too monstrous to believe !” she 
cried, facing round to him fiercely as she finished. “ The 
arch fiend himself could scarcely have the heart for such 
deliberate wickedness.” 

“You have named him rightly; this master who holds 
such power over the Foss loyalty. He is just that, the 
arch fiend himself, ” said Nat, sternly. “ That letter does 
not reveal one-half his guilt and wickedness. ” 

“lean never make them believe it,” cried Penelope, 
wildly. “ Oh, I can never make them believe it ! And 
then there is the oath ; the oath of fealty to his commands, 
which we all swore upon our knees beside our father’s 
dying bed. No, I can never believe this horrible thing to 
be true.” 

“Nevertheless it is the sacred truth. I can give you 
proof upon proof. And they will send for her shortly now, 
and once in his power neither you nor I, nor any one mor- 
tal, can help her,” repeated Nat, slowly and sternly. 

Penelope wrung her hands, and the great drops of sweat 
trickled down her forehead. 

“ Oh, how I am punished, how I am punished !” she 
moaned, and then suddenly she turned upon him fiercely. 
“ Why should I believe you ? Why should I trust you be- 
fore my own flesh and blood, against the convictions of 
my long acquaintance, in defiance of my father’s dying 
command ?” 

“Because you feel that I am right,” answered Nat, 
calmly, “ and because you' love Lina. I told you, in the 


130 


A JSIZVEll BHAm. 


commencement, that I built all my hopes upon your love 
for the girl. You will help me save her, Miss Foss.” 

“ Who are you ?” demanded she. 

“ A friend to Lina. That ought to satisfy you ! One 
who means to save her at any cost. For her sake put 
away your distrust, and help me in a plan to spirit her 
away before the messenger comes,” he said, beseechingly. 
“ I know that my only help comes from you. The rest 
of your family are firm in their devotion and loyalty, 
mistaken though it may be. There is no hope of moving 
them. ” 

“ No, no more than of stirring the rocks yonder. Theo- 
dosia would not hesitate to give her life for the accom- 
plishment of this prolonged trust, nor Paul, nor Urban. 
Me you expect to be weaker and less trustworthy? Well, 
it is true, it is true !” 

There was a depth of bitterness and self-accusation in 
the stifled voice in which she spoke, and she pressed her 
hands wildly against her forehead. 

“Nay,” rejoined the taxidermist, cheerfully and sooth- 
ingly. “You I count more reasonable, and gentle, and 
tender because of your love for Lina. Besides, if my sus- 
picions had any foundation, you had a faint glimpse of the 
cloven foot in the old days, and are more ready to admit 
the possibility of princely villainy. There was some foul 
play in the case of Konrad Darn. I think you must have 
discovered it.” 

Penelope gave a low cry that was almost a scream. 

“Konrad Darn! Who speaks a name that has been 
buried for eighteen years and more ? Man, man, who are 
you ? Give me your name 1” 

“Not yet. Enough that I am Lina’s friend, and yours if 
you will. But tell me if I may count upon your help. ” 

“ Give me time to think. I must have time to think, ” 
answered Penelope, trembling from head to foot. 

“You will keep my secret knowledge of all this from 
your family?” he demanded. 

“Yes, yes; I must. I dare not do otherwise. More 
secrets, more deceit, deeper inward pangs !” she groaned. 

“But all may come right yet,” he said, gently. 

Her hands were wrung together, fierce and hard ; her 
eyes were lifted to the sky, shrinking, and yet half be- 
seechingly. 

“ Oh I” she murmured, “ I am punished ! Bitterly, bit- 
terly am I reaping what I sowed unthinkingly I Is there 
but one way of expiation ?” 


A SILVJSB BRAND. 


131 


Nat retreated a step, but watched her closely. What 
great misery throbbed in that woman’s passionate heart? 
How much he would have given for a magic talisman to 
enable him to read for those few moments every^ thought 
that burned and stung the tortured brain. 

“Well !” said he, at length, breaking a prolonged silence. 

She turned, with a dreary smile, which, however, the 
taxidermist lost, for he had started, and turned his head 
toward the water to listen more attentively. 

“ I thought I heard a cry, or a call,” he said. 

All was quiet and still, except that over the cliffs on the 
other sid6, some fisherman was whistling merrily, and the 
breeze from that direction brought the sound to them. 
From the beach below only the deadened beat of the waves 
murmured faintly, the wind carrying off other sounds 
with it instead of bringing them back to them. Nat did 
not at the time realize this, and turning to his companion, 
he resiimed the conversation. 

“ Perhaps I ought not to push you to a hasty decision, ” 
he said, “ but it is important that no time is to be lost if 
we are to make any effort to interrupt the course of events 
planned yonder across the ocean. I know that some new 
consideration has induced him to hurry the girl’s return. 
I should not be surprised if the next steamer brought an 
agent to escort her back. Once there he has all the power, 
and unlimited means. Are you willing, after what I have 
shown you, to send her away to him ?” 

If I knew — if I could imagine what interest you have 
in this matter ?” she cried, anxiously. 

“ I have told you more than once — my love for Lina. ” 

“But you know the old circumstances — you called 
names !” she ventured. 

“Well ! I knew and loved Konrad Darn once. If there 
were no other reason than to avenge his wrongs, I admit, 
it would be enough to urge me to thwart this cruel plan.” 

She put out her hand imulsively. 

“ I will trust you ! — yes, I will trust you !” 

“ Thank you. I believe from the depths of my heart 
that you will rejoice at this decision of yours, let what 
may come out of it. ” 

“Let what may come out of it !” she repeated, drearily, 
“and that, at its best, will be woe, and weariness, and 
humiliation enough.” 

“And now for your plan of action,” said Nat, eagerly. 

“ Nay ; not yet. I must have time to look at the whole 
subject,” returned she, decisively. “It will be too hard 


132 


A SILVm BBANB. 


and dangerous, and intricate for me to rush upon it 
hastily. Eemember that I am agreeing to turn about in 
my path, to disobey my father’s dying command, to de- 
ceive my friends, to cheat and elude Theodosia’s vigilance.” 

“ But also to do right and to save Lina, ” said Nat, com- 
passionately. “I see now how very hard it must be for 
you.” 

“I am used to hard things — that is a fortunate circum- 
stance,” replied Penelope, bitterly, “and I have a proud 
and haughty spirit. Stiff-necked and rebellious, Theo- 
dosia calls me. It may be she is right. And yet, if only 
she had been gentle and compassionate, and forbearing 
with me. Heaven knows it might have saved me from 
much suffering, and some wrong-doing. Alack ! alack ! 
why do I talk of these things ? Where is Lina and — the 
girl ? I came authorized by Paul to invite this Serena and: 
her grandmother to come and live in our house. He sees 
that Lina must be kept contented, and if this girl’s com- 
pany will do it, he is willing to submit to it. ” 

“ I do not believe she will come. Serena has a contented 
spirit, but an independent one. And then her school 
would be too far away. Beside, if we arrange to snatch 
Lina away and hide her from them ” 

“ Hush ! Do you see the shadow over there ? You would 
think it a tree or a post ; but I have noticed that it takes 
nearer and nearer position. It is Paul, my brother. Where 
is Lina, and this girl ? He must find me talking with them 
instead of you.” 

“ Lina went down to the boat-landing. How still they 
are 1 It seems to me we should hear them talking. Let 
us go down and see.” 

He led the way, almost before the last word was spoken, 
and together they walked down the rough, uneven foot- 
path round the point, a huge, projecting boulder, which 
concealed the landing-place from their observation. 

The moonlight lay on the water like a broad flood of 
silver, the sandy ribbon of beach glistened white and 
smooth free from any animate object. 

Only the pulsing throb of the beating waves broke the 
placid stillness. Nat stared out upon the broad expanse 
of water. Afar off, with slender spars looking like spider 
threads against the sky, a schooner was rocking at anchor- 
age. Over on the main shore a few lights twinkled from 
the scattered houses within view. Above the full moon 
rode radiantly paling the watchful stars. But sign of boat 
or maidens there was none. 


A SILVJSB BRAND. 


133 


Penelope’s fingers gave a convulsive grip upon his arm. 

“ What has happened ?” she asked hoarsely. 

“ You told Lina she might go out in the boat. They 
have rowed around to the other side to see the fishermen’s 
children, as like as not,” answered Nat, calmly. “I will 
go around and see. ” 

“I must go, too,” she answered, quickly. “Paul will 
be angry enough that I lost sight of her. I will not stay 
here for him to find me alone. ” 

With swift steps, in ominous silence, they hurried 
along the narrow strip of beach, coming at length to a 
steep precipitous rock around which it was impossible to 
pass, and above which grew a thick hedge of thistle and 
briar. 

“Wait here for me. I can climb up and force my way 
through, and at the top I can see around to the other land- 
ing,” said Nat, authoritatively. 

Breathless and overpowered by a nameless but growing 
terror, Penelope sank down upon the ground, consenting 
to the proposition. It seemed to her a full hour, but it 
was not really quite half the time when Nat returned, 
hurrying on with great strides which echoed along the 
round. 

“ The foolish things have hidden themselves somewhere 
to frighten us. Miss Penelope. Don’t be alarmed. Serena 
is with her, and if she were not, what harm could pos- 
sibly come upon this peaceful, retired island? We shall 
find the naughty creatures laughing at our trepidation. ” 

Penelope answered never a word, but dashed back over 
the same ground they had come. Reaching the spot where 
Serena’s boat had been moored, they both called aloud, 
one upon Lina in wild, affrighted tones, and the other 
earnestly and beseechingly repeated : 

“Serena, Serena, why do you not answer?” 

In the midst of their perplexity and amazement, Paul 
Foss came leaping down upon them. 

“What is the matter? Penelope, have you lost your 
wits ? Tell me what is the matter !” 

“Lina is gone, Paul. She went down the path, only just 
down the path to meet that girl, and we cannot find them 
— boat or girls. ” 

Paul darted down to the water, and Nat followed. 

“ It is impossible there should be any harm come to 
them,” he said, positively. “They have rowed out, and 
some shadow hides the boat, and they are keeping still 


134 


A SIZVFB 


for sport, not suspecting how it frightens Lina’s friends. 
They will come back shortly. ” 

But Penelope wrung her hands. 

‘‘Goto the house and see if she is there,” said Paul, 
sternly. “ Penelope, I have hitherto sustained you against 
Theodosia’s remonsti'ance and rebuke. If Lina is lost 
now, through this wretched management of yours, I will 
never speak to you again. Never, never ! And my 
father’s dying curse will follow you.” 

“Peace, man!” exclaimed Nat, indignantly. “The 
woman is not to be blamed.” 

“What have you to do with the matter?” demanded the 
exasperated Paul. 

“I have this claim at least,” returned Nat, with dig- 
nity. “I came here at Serena’s request. Moreover, I 
have always cherished a warm affection for Lina. Yoiif 
grief cannot exceed mine if anything has happened to 
those girls. But it is impossible, utterly impossible 1” 

“It would seem so,” returned Paul, more calmly. 
“Look the house and garden over, Penelope, and then if 
you fail to find her, bring Urban back with you, and rouse 
some of the fishermen down below on the other side.” 

Penelope darted away like one distracted. 

Nat had lighted a taper, and was carefully examining 
the sandy shore. 

“ The boat was here, certainly. See their little tracks 
where the two girls pushed it off,” he cried, joyfully. 
“Yes, yes, they have gone out in the boat, and possibly 
have got farther than they knew. The shorter way is for 
me to go and get my own boat, and row about for them. ” 

“ But we can see around us from here as far as they 
could row,” returned the perplexed Paul. 

“Not if they followed the shore,” responded Nat, hurry- 
ing away. 

!^t when he reached the quiet spot where he kept his 
own boat moored, even his hopeful spirit was dismayed. 

The boat was gone, and a moment’s investigation 
showed him that the intricate knot by which he usually 
secured the cable was still upon the stake, while the clean 
cut of the fragment showed that the rope had been hastily 
severed by some sharp instrument. 

He went hurrying down to the nearest fisherman’s. 
Boats for the islanders were more necessary than wheel- 
barrows, and every family owned one or two. A few quiet 
words from Nat brought out three rough but true-hearted 
men. 


A <SJLV£E BRAyD. 


135 


“The boat? sartain, Mr. Nathaniel; you needn’t ha’ 
stopped to ask for it. What d’ye say? The gal missing ! 
Thunder and Mars ! Here, Jack, Noah ; turn out, will ye. 
We’ll all look around a bit. In these cases it’s be^t not to 
be a losing time.” 

Nat was willing now. Something weighing down his 
heart and chilling his blood made him feel sure that the 
absence of the youthful friends was no result of girlish 
frolic or of innocent accident. 

Rowing around the point as swiftly as might be, he 
found Paul and Urban Foss just shoving off themselves. 

He halted to speak to them. 

“ I have set three of the fishermen on the search. My 
boat is gone also — the rope is cut. It may not mean any- 
thing, but it has a suspicious look. ” 

At that moment a thought struck him at which he 
gnashed his teeth in rage. 

“ That headstrong boy ! I had forgotten him entirely. 
He went back to the town, but it is possible he has some- 
how returned. Has he dared to forestall me ? To carry 
out his original purpose, and run away with the girl with- 
out consulting me ?” 

He did not proceed any farther with these ideas, for at 
that moment his eye caught an object drifting in a rift of 
mingled foam and moonlight, a black line in a flash of sil- 
ver far out toward the channel which carried the ships 
toward the upper port. 

He sprang to the oars with a hearty will, and made his 
little craft fly like a feather ; but it was a long and weary 
chase the drifting object gave him. At last his tired 
hands grasped the edge of a floating boat. He knew at 
the first glance, without aid of the severed rope which 
dangled behind, that it was his own. And it was empty. 
He pushed the straw hat away from his reeking forehead, 
and sat a moment staring down at it. Then he produced 
the useful little box of tapers, struck off one, and held it 
over the edge, and closely examined the bottom. A little 
pool of something dark and wet glistened on the stern seat 
and trickled to the flooring. 

Nat pulled out his handkerchief and drabbled through 
it. When he brought it back to the taper he gave a hol- 
low groan. 

Blood ! and whose ? 

Something else sparkled there. He secured the two 
boats together and then clambered into his own. There 
was one oar broken, and the glistening object was a buckle. 


136 


A SJZr£Ji JBJiAND, 


He picked it up, and recognized it at once as the orna^ 
ment of Stephano’s foreign shoes. More terrible still was 
something crumpled in a heap under the locker. How 
Nat’s hand shook as he drew it forth, and smoothed ten- 
derly out the broken strands of straw and the crushed 
humming-bird. 

“ It is her’ s— Serena’s — and, oh ! they were together. 
They have shared the same fate whatever it may be. 
Now, may Heaven help us !” he cried out, in a voice that 
was sharp with anguish. 


CHAPTER XIII. 

“even the skies are deaf.” 

“My lady, I fear you are ill,” ventured Seippel’s wife, 
in a deeply compassionate tone, coming up to the roof and 
finding the pale prisoner kneeling down before her chair, 
with her face buried in her hands. 

Lady Pauline lifted her head, and looked at the speaker 
with weary, sorrowful eyes. 

“Well,” she answered, “even rocks they say, are worn 
down at last. What wonder that at length my spirit 
faints, my heart fails, my body breaks down? Woman, 
woman, I have lost my courage at last. ” 

“Poor soul!” ejaculated Lisbet, the quick tears filling 
her eyes, while those that looked upon her so despairingly 
were dry and burning. 

“You pity me, but you will not help me,” said the lady, 
plaintively. “Even the skies are deaf. Woe is me! I 
ought to rejoice if this is the first step in a decline, that 
will bear me speedily to my grave. ” 

“You sent back your breakfast untouched,” proceeded 
Lisbet, tremulously. “It is the surest way to lose cour- 
age. I have brought you some mulled wine. Drink it, I 
pray you, and perhaps your appetite will return. ” 

She rose slowly and seated herself in the chair, but 
waved back the proffered glass. 

“Nay, nay ; why should I force myself to take anything, 
or seek to renew unavailing strength ? I tell you, Lisbet, 
for the first time in all these years I have lost my courage.” 

“Dear heart !” wailed Lisbet, sinking down on one knee, 
“ do not, I pray you, oh, do not despair now ! Help may 
come yet.” 

“ How ?” demanded the lady, feverishly. “Oh, Lisbet, 
Lisbet, will you relent ? You pity me, I know you do. 


A SILVER BRAND, 


137 


And Seippel’s poor hands tremble over every cruel stab 
they are obliged to give me. Come, let us fly, all of us. I 
know he is wily and powerful. But surely Heaven will 
protect us. We may hide in the wilds of the forest until 
escape from the country is possible. And hereafter, at the 
great judgment bar, think, Lisbet, what a glory it will be 
that you have helped one so forlorn and miserable. Oh, 
woman, woman, what will avail there the guilty wages, 
however generous, from that man’s wicked hand.” 

“Oh, my lady, don’t think it is the wages,” burst forth 
Lisbet, piteously; “don’t think Seippel and I are so 
wicked. We would fling the last kreutzer at his feet, we 
would save you without money and without price, if we 
could — if we only dared.” 

“Well, he is great and powerful, I know. But he is not 
the king yet. And, me thinks, his royal father must know 
something of his wickedness, enough to shield innocence 
when it is proved before him. I could not ask you to risk 
your own safety for my sake.” 

“Nay, not even for that should we care,” pursued Lis- 
bet, with increasing vehemence. “ Oh, you think too ill 
of us ! I can hide it no longer from you. He has our 
boy’s life in his power — his life and his honor. Oh, my 
lady, he is cruel, and crafty, and pitiless, and Konrad is 
our only child. Can we give him to a cruel death, our 
handsome boy ? Oh, my lady, it is against nature ! But 
it wrings our hearts, day by day, to see you here, and to 
know that we cannot lift a Anger to help your escape. Do 
not blame us, I beseech you.” 

And Lisbet, crouching at the lady’s feet, shed her hot 
tears and her agitated caresses there. 

The noble heart of Lady Pauline could be generous, 
even at such an extremity as hers. She bent down and 
raised the crouching, quivering form. 

“ My poor Lisbet I I also have been cruel to you, with- 
out knowing it. I exonerate you from every blame. I 
will spare you any further entreaties. You are right, j^ou 
are perfectly right to shield your boy, it is a mother’s 
sacred duty.” 

And then she lifted up her hands toward the sky with a 
mute but piteous entreaty. 

Lisbet’ s heart was much lightened, but she still sobbed 
and trembled, and could hardly speak plainly when she 
again took up the glass, and entreated : 

“And you will take the wine, and will not lose courage. 


138 


A SIZVm £JiA^'R 


Oh, my lady, Heaven sees all, surely something will yet 
come to help you. He— may — die.” 

Her voice sank to a whisper, and she looked around 
with a scared fear, lest the winds should bear the words to 
some unfriendly ear. 

A faint smile, more, woeful than many tears, flickered 
across the pale face of Lady Pauline. 

“Yes,” said she ; “I will drink the wine, and I will try 
to And my courage again. I am glad you have told me, 
^Lisbet. I shall not needlessly distress you again. You 
will join your prayers with mine, I know, for some de- 
liverance to come. I will cling to hope a little longer — a 
little longer, Lisbet.” 

And she took the wine and slowly drank it all. 

“And by and by I may bring you a biscuit and some 
grapes. Seippel will have something to add to it. Poof * 
fellow, his eyes were full of tears when he brought back 
your untasted breakfast. He has dispatched Hans to the 
town and charged him to bring some flowers with him to 
give you heart, he whispered to me. Poor Seippel, if you 
should die here I think he would kill himself, he is so full 
of horror and remorse. ” 

“ He is in no wise to be blamed. I may have had hard 
thoughts hitherto, but I see now there is no help for it. 
Tell me about your boy, Lisbet — of course he has the flrst 
claim. Can a mother’s heart refuse anything to secure 
her child’s safety and happiness? Ah, me ! ah, me !” 

And then she drew a long sigh and looked up again into 
the sky. 

“You must be heard at last,” whispered Lisbet, in an 
awed voice. “You talk so much with the sky, and your 
thoughts are there so long and fervently, it cannot be they 
will be always silent. ” 

The sorrowful blue eyes went roaming along the azure 
fields of ether. Suddenly a spark of eager fire leaped into 
them, a crimson spot burned instantaneously upon the 
pale cheeks. 

“Lisbet,” cried Lady Pauline, “I will believe your 
prophecy. Go, gentle-hearted, sympathizing friend, go 
down and ask Seippel to join you in your devotions. Tell 
him that I bear no ill-will against either of you. Leave 
me now to pray once more for the help of Heaven.” 

Lisbet obeyed promptly. The moment she was gone the 
lady turned her eager eyes toward the black speck she 
had discovered floating on with the clouds. 

“The balloon again,” she murmured. “Now, indeed I 


A SILVmi BRAND. 


139 


need the help of Heaven. I shall be saved or I shall go 
mad at last with the deadly sickness of disappointment.” 

She hurried down to the lower apartment, secured a 
small bundle which had lain in readiness ever since her 
first knowledge of the aeronaut’s vicinity, caught up pencil 
and paper from the table, and the white scarf, and flew 
back again to the roof, catching a sob of ecstatic delight 
to And that it was still in view and coming on steadily 
upon the same course which had brought it over the house 
before. 

“ They will not see it, these faithful creatures who are 
saying their prayers for nie. And ’Hans is away in town 
Now may Heaven be praised for that. I take it as a good 
omen of my escape. Merciful Ruler of earth and sky, 
hear me ! Loving and compassionate Saviour, lend thine 
aid ! Holy Mother, succor and save !” 

These exclamations were uttered in a tone scarcely 
above her breath, but with a passionate intensity of 
pathetic supplication impossible to describe. Her hands 
were clasped, her face upturned, those gleaming eyes 
fastened upon the rapidly nearing balloon in agonized 
suspense. 

It came nearer, steadily nearer, and once seemed to 
shift its course to make sure of not being carried beyond. 
Lady Pauline stood like a statue, but -the friendly breeze 
fluttered the white scarf clutched in the rigid Angers, and 
in a moment after 3he saw an answering flag waving from 
the balloon. Then a great sob shook her delicate frame, 
and the long-pent tears flooded her white cheeks. 

“ Heaven has hear i at last,” she murmured. “I shall 
be saved. I know I shall be saved.” 

And it was with no emotion of surprise or doubt that 
she beheld the strange roamer of the air vibrating at 
length over her very head, and the aeronaut’s wondering 
face peering down over the car. 

He made a gesture to draw her attention and the next 
instant a light package lowered by a fine cord dropped at 
her feet. 

She opened it eagerly and read : 

“You appealed to me as if for help when I came before. 
What do you wish? How can I serve you?” 

How swiftly the eager Angers traced the reply, and tak- 
ing pattern by his caution tied it about the small stone, 
and how steadily she held her hands to throw it upward. 

The balloon was too near to miss. Indeed, either might 


140 


A iSIZVm BBAm, 


have shouted the message instead, but the aeronaut seemed 
to understand that there was need of caution and silence. 

“ I am a prisoner — an innocent, sorely persecuted woman. 
As you hope for mercy in your own sorrows, help me. 
Take me away in your balloon. Can you come low enough 
for me to reach you ? I must escape without drawing at- 
tention from below,” she wrote. 

He read it, nodded, and wrote again, tossing it down 
lightly so that she caught it in her hands. 

“ I will do my best. Catch the line I lower and draw 
upon it gently. Would you dare to secure it about your 
waist if I cannot descend quite to the roof ? I could draw 
you up safely, I am certain.” 

“ I will dare anything, ” she dashed off, and sent back to 
him looking around her, and thanking fate that the house 
stood alone in the forest so that no observant eyes could 
note these strange proceedings. 

And then she was on the watch for the lowered rope. 
There was no difficulty in grasping it, but when she en- 
deavored to draw upon it she found the buoyancy of the 
balloon taking her from her feet. The aeronaut was doing 
his best to accomplish a nearer descent, but was evidently 
baffled. She saw him looking down anxiously, and fancied 
she heard the sound of approaching steps from below. A 
moment’s doubt and uncertainty sent its shadow over the 
eager face, only a moment, however. The next she darted 
forward and shot the bolt of the trap-door into its socket, 
then she hurried back, and fastening the white scarf to 
the rope he had lowered, tied it securely under her arms, 
and grasped with her hands the upper rope. 

“I am ready for the trial,” she called. 

The aeronaut gave an admiring and encouraging smile, 
and pulled on the rope with a will. The next instant the 
slender figure was swinging in the air. The violent exer- 
tion the aeronaut was compelled to make, and the weight 
attached to it made the whole affair vibrate most uncom- 
fortably to and fro, but the lady never once lost her pres- 
ence of mind, and it was her own swift hands and ■ ready 
feet that Accomplished the matter, and insured her being 
at last seated beside the stranger in the little car, panting 
and breathless, but with a face radiant with unutterable 
joy. 

The aeronaut gave her a searching but respectful glance. 

“You will not be dizzy, nor frightened, if we ascend 
again to another current of air ? I judge it is best for us 
to be beyond recognition as speedily as possible.” 


A JSlLVm BHAJVD, 141 

He had his hand on the little cord that regulated a 
valve, as he spoke. 

“ Afraid !” replied she. “lam afraid of nothing except 
what I have escaped from there. May Heaven forever bless 
you. Go up, as high as you will, I shall not falter nor 
tremble — only rejoice. Oh, it was to the skies alone I 
have made my appeal, and at last they have sent their 
messenger to release me.” 

The aeronaut gave a single glance and saw the hands 
clasped, the eyes closed, and the pale lips moving in voice- 
less prayer, and turned away in respectful silence. 

He did not speak until she moved, and bent down a 
little, when he cried, warningly : 

“ Pray be cautious. To one unused to such experience 
the first look down is dizzying and painful. ” 

“But it will not be so for me,,” she returned, calmly. 

“ I hardly think that the first glimpse of land can be so 
beautiful to the shipwrecked mariner as this pathless 
track of ours looks to me. The roof below is already like 
a speck. Ah, me, to think at last I have left it, have 
escaped my prison !” she repeated, with growing exulta- 
tion, her eyes shining with a light that was almost dazzling. 

“When you have rested and are composed,” he said, 
quietly, “ you may tell me your story. ” 

She gave a little start, and a troubled look came into her 
eyes. 

“To be sure. See how intoxicated I have been with the 
ecstasy of freedom ! I had forgotten that there was any- 
thing peculiar in the circumstances, or that you would 
naturally enough require some explanation of my extra- 
ordinary situation. Oh, that this winged car might be 
able to bear me to another land, to cross the wide ocean, 
to light like a tired bird on the free shore of America ! 
How easy then, and how happy my way would be !” 

“But that is impossible. I have only made short trips 
of a few hours’ duration,” returned the aeronaut. “I am 
already considering what risk I run and what dangers I 
may encounter if I remain up untiil dusk allows me to 
conceal my passenger’s existence. For I take it if there 
is one who takes such pains to imprison you, that one will 
also be on the lookout to discover the method of your 
escape.” 

“ I do not think it possible they could any of them sur- 
mise it. Poor Seippel and his wife will verily believe 
that the skies themselves opened for me at their fervent 
prayer. But for him, mine enemy ” 


142 


A SJZVAV^ BRAJD. 


She paused, and drew a long breath ere she added : 

“You are right. His search will be tireless, and un- 
stinted. He will move heaven and earth to obtain a sec- 
ond clutch upon his victim. ” 

“ Who is he, madam ? Is it not safe to defy him ? The 
right is on your side, and wrong on his. I need no other 
assurance of that than my first glance into your face. The 
guilty ones do not wear such a look, nor do they pray. I 
saw you, and heard you, when I came before, but I had no 
means of descent, without disabling the balloon. And 
your face haunted me, and I told mine own good wife 
about it, and she favored my coming to rescue you. And 
so much of it is done, and yet I confess if your enemy is 
great and powerful it is but a poor step secured in the 
matter, for I am a man of no account or property. ” 

“ Alas, it is true that he is very powerful. I am almost 
afraid to tell you his name, lest your courage should fail 
you. Nay, I beg that you will not ask it, neither his 
name nor mine. It is on your own account more than 
mine. But the story of my wrongs you shall now 
hear. So far removed from the earth, so near to the 
upper heavens you will know I dare not speak falsely, 
lest the lightnings from above should smite, or the mi- 
asmas from below should rise to stifie me.” 

“Wait a moment. You look faint and tired. Let me 
give you of the refreshment my tender-hearted fraulein 
provided.” 

And he reached into the basket which hung beside him, 
and brought out wine and food and laid them in her lap. 

She partook of both gratefully. 

“Poor Lisbet ! it grieved her so that I could not enjoy 
my breakfast, but sent it back untouched. Heaven send 
that none of his fury at my escape be vented upon their 
innocent heads. ” 

“ Look yonder, and see what wonderful sights greet the 
serial voyager,” he said, gently, to divert the painful 
thoughts that had come over her, pointing to great bil- 
lowy clouds of crimson and purple, with golden fringes, 
that seemed drifting down upon them. 

“It is grand, beautiful— like the Heaven which has res- 
cued me,” she murmured, and looking down added, pen- 
sively, “And how insignificant and Lilliputian seems 
everything below us. Even the royal palace, I presume, 
shows scarcely more than an ant hill. Ah, me ! ah, me ! 
Even so to the mounting soul will seem the richest honors, 


A SILVER BRAND. 


143 


and the most glittering gauds of earthly distinctions. 
Why do we care for them, or heed them?” 

Then followed a long silence. The aeronaut was busy 
\vith his guiding apparatus, only casting occasional, fur- 
tive glances at the pale, wrapt, saintly face, and she 
with her eyes again upon the clouds looked as if commun 
ing with angels themselves. 

“I know I am right,” thought the aeronaut, exultingly. 

“ I have done a glorious deed in rescuing this beautiful 
woman. I am sure she is innocent and good. I suspect 
she is high in rank. Who knows but at last my own good 
fortune may dawn, and the poor fraulein spare her tender 
heart its worries and perplexities, and I gain means to 
pursue my experiment to the golden goal of my fondest 
wishes? Who knows but all this may come, because I 
have helped the lady to- day?” 

And aloud he added, gently : 

“And now, madam, I will hear the story if you please.” 

She told it in low, earnest accents, the silver voice now 
rising rich arid high with indignation, and now sinking 
deep with horror and pathos. And the aeronaut listened, 
his face flushing and paling, his eye flashing with anger 
and indignation, or Aiming over with tears of sympathy. 

When at length she paused, and turned her pale sweet 
face upward again to the skies that shone still above their 
dizzy height, he st^’etched out his hand, and exclaimed, 
impulsively : 

“Madam, my lady, I am but an humble, obscure, pov- 
erty stricken man, but such as I am all that I have is at 
your service in this cause. I will not yield you up except 
over my dead body. ” 

The poor lonely, persecuted creature seized the extended 
hand, and her warm tears fell upon it. 

“ May Heaven reward you ! I dare not promise that I 
shall be able ; and yet, if I triumph, you shall indeed 
have no cause to say again you are poverty stricken or 
helpless. ” 

“ Tell me the villain’s name. I care not if it be a von 
or even a baron. Let me know whom I must avoid and 
baffle.” 

She smiled mournfully. 

“ Let me have more time to think about it — not for my- 
self, but for your safety. Let me see your good wife, and 
she shall say if it be right to add this heavy weight to the 
already dangerous course you have taken by thus gener- 
ously befriending me, and for whom you must avoid— 


144 


A SILVUM BJRAm). 


kind friend, are you prepared to hear me say it must be 
every one ? for there will be watchfulness on all sides, ay, 
almost as if it were the king himself. ” 

“So bad as that?” answered the aeronaut. “Well, all 
the more honor and satisfaction if we succeed. It is well 
we have the luncheon ; .this wind, I foresee, will carry us 
much beyond our destination ; but we must never risk 
landing in daylight. A balloon draws a crowd at any 
time, and it will make more stir if a lady like yourself is 
seen descending from it. You are shivering, and no won- 
der, in your unprotected state. Wrap this fur blanket 
about you, and tie the scarf more closely. I will descend 
presently to a more comfortable temperature ; but just now 
we are crossing the towns and villages scattered along the 
river, and I prefer not to attract attention. ” 

“The river ! The Danube? Oh, if I might look upon it 
nearer ! It is eighteen years since my eyes were glad- 
dened by its sparkling beauty.” 

“I will discharge a little of the gas, and we will take 
such a glorious view as only the birds and the stars get. 
One day, please Heaveii, I mean to be able to rise and de- 
scend at pleasure— to sail here and there through the 
clouds, as the ships plow the ocean, or the horsemen gal- 
lop along the land.” 

His eye shone, his cheek flushed as he said it. 

“You are an enthusiast in your work,” said she. 

“Ay, but a sad one. I shall never have the means to 
pursue my experiments to the extent necessary. As it is, 
I sometimes wonder my wife does not reproach me for 
squandering upon my balloon the few earnings I manage 
to accumulate ; and yet my faith in the ability to some- 
time gain the glorious end never wavers. Ah ! if I suc- 
ceed my name will go down to posterity and my wife will 
reap a golden reward for her patience and faith.” 

His whole face shone with the glory of the imagined 
success. 

“You have done a glorious thing with your balloon al- 
ready, let what other failure come that may,” said the 
lady, gently; “and you shall not lose by it if only my 
prayers prevail. You have saved one to whom earthly 
relief seemed quite impossible and vain to hope for. 
Thank Heaven I I am not quite desitute, and need not tax 
your purse as well as your kindness. We must manage to 
dispose of these stones, one by one.” 

As she spoke she drew forth from her bosom a small 
case, and opening it, showed him a cross sparkling with 


A iilLVBIi BRAND, 145 

diamonds, and a magnificent cluster ring of the same 
costly gems. 

“It will, indeed, need caution,” answered he. “It will 
be a suspicious thing for the poor aeronaut to offer such 
costly jewels even to an unscrupulous broker.” And then 
seeing the troubled look that flitted across her face, he 
added, cheerfully, “ But we will find the way, never fear 
that. The little fraulein has quick wits — we will trust 
her in the matter. ” 

“ I should not blame her if she refused me a place in her 
house, bringing you into such danger as I do,” returned 
the lady, bravely. 

“You do not know her. Wait till you see what loving 
ways she has. She cannot be cross to a "stray cat or a 
meddlesome boy, and last of all a noble lady in such trouble 
as yours, ” the husband returned, proudly. “ Shut your 
eyes a moment, for the descent causes a little dizziness.” 
A moment after he added, eagerly, “And now madam may 
look, and perhaps she will understand the fascination 
which is beyond wine or dice for the aeronaut. ” 

“ How glorious ! Oh, this beautiful world!” exclaimed 
Lady Pauline, with as much admiration as he could de- 
sire, and then, softly sighing, she added, “ How the angels 
must grieve to see its loveliness marred by the wicked 
deeds of man I” 

“ Ay, it is beautiful 1” returned the master of the bal- 
loon ; “is it not worth all the f-isk, all the peril ? Behold ! 
there is the river, and see how majestic is its course. 
The town looks like a queer colony of ant-hills, and if you 
look closely you will see what is like a swarm of gnats, 
but it is the people. The most majestic of all is but a mite 
at this distance. ” 

“ It is so long since I have seen the river and the town,” 
murmured the lady, wistfully, and then a hot rain of tears 
deluged her face. “ Oh, the crushing bereavements, the 
woeful wrongs, the wearing anguish I have endured since ! 
It is almost like rising out of a grave and looking back 
into the world, this strange experience. I cannot realize 
all it means, I am numb — dazed. Eighteen years ago 
since I also mingled in the gay crowd down there, as gay, 
as light-hearted, and thoughtless of evil as the youngest 
babe that nestles in some mother’s arms to-day. And 
now I am here, above the world, in the clouds, gazing 
down. Am I awake ? am I in my right mind ? Speak, 
answer me, I implore you. ” 

The seronaut took her hand in his, and while he stroked 


146 


A aiLVEE BEAND. 


it gently, put his fingers to the pulse, and found it leaping 
madly. He reached down quietly to the basket, took out 
a vial, and poured a few drops into the little cup, and 
gave it to her. She swallowed it obediently. 

“ Now close your eyes and rest a little. The change of 
air and the excitement may well disturb you. It will pass 
shortly.” 

He was right. In a brief time she opened her eyes, 
smiled upon him tranquilly, and said : 

“I am better. I think we must be much nearer the 
earth, for the atmosphere seems natural again. How long 
before we must descend ?” 

He had been fumbling over his apparatus, and had the 
loving fraulein been there she would have seen that the 
smile he had assumed, when he turned his face toward 
her, was an anxious and troubled one. 

“I am thankful that you are better, madam. About the 
descent, you know for your sake, I preferred to remain 
up until dark, unless indeed I can land in some safe and 
obscure place. Balloons are not yet so common but that 
the landing of one draws a large crowd. I wish you had a 
hat and vail. Your face is too remarkable to pass un- 
noticed.” 

“I can wrap my scarf about it,” began she, but paused 
abruptly to catch hold of the edge of the car, which began 
to rock to and fro, while the balloon above oscillated still 
more violently. The aeronaut sprang up, caught hold of 
the ropes and swung himself up to the great globe, from 
which came a low, hissing noise. He was busy there fas- 
tening his silk handkerchief somehow for a few brief sec- 
onds. Then he came clambering down again, and seated 
himself once more in the narrow quarters. 

“Anything wrong?” she asked, aware at length that his 
face was paler than it had been before. 

“ There is a rent in the balloon ; the gas is escaping, but 
so slowly I hope it will not disturb us. If only we could 
catch another current of air !” he muttered, uneasily. 

“We are directly over the river. How wide and deep it 
looks ! It is well, indeed, you hold such skillful authority 
over this wonderful steed !” she returned. 

He gnawed impatiently at his lip, and though his atten- 
tion all seemed to be given below, every nerve was strained 
to catch the slightest sound from above. 

Full soon he heard the signal he had been dreading. A 
quick, sharp tear and again the car rocked dangerously. 

“Hold on, madam, and try to be courageous. I can no 


A SILVER BRA.VJl 


147 


longer hide our danger from you,” he explained. “For 
Heaven’s sake hold on with your hands, and your breath 
both. I expect every moment we shall descend like a 
stone. Heaven only knows what will be the result.” 

ShA only gave a little sob, then looked up to the sky that 
stretched still as far above them as if they, had not 
mounted twice an eagle’s flight above the solid lands. 

“ I have not surely been released from prison to die this 
horrible death. I have faith that we shall be preserved 
from harm, ” she murmured, softly. 

“ There is a life-preserver under the seat. Tie it around 
your waist. If I am not stunned I can swim,” he re- 
turned, hurriedly. “And help me throw out these bags 
of sand. There is not a moment to be lost, the gas is 
escaping more and more swiftly. Oh, my poor balloon !” 

And the aeronaut groaned in anguish, amid his own im- 
minent peril, at the destruction which menaced the object 
of his ambitious hopes and fondest pride. 

Five minutes longer they swung blindly to and fro, and 
then the full, the swift rush, the strangling distress came. 

Lady Pauline clung desperately to her hold upon the 
seat, and shut her eyes, the pale lips still moving in 
prayer, when almost the breath seemed snatched from 
them. 

And then the heavy shock, and the merciful release of 
unconsciousness followed. 


CHAPTER XIV. 

ON THE WATCH. 

The night, filled with excitement, and alarm, and gen- 
eral consternation and perplexity slowly slipped away, 
and a golden sunrise broke radianly over the little island 
which was crowned by the house from which the Hum- 
ming Bird had vanished. Somehow one and all seemed to 
feel assured that the welcome daylight would disperse the 
nightmare terror which had confronted them through the 
sleepless hours of the night. They gathered together in a 
pale, scared group, the Foss family talking in low, stern 
accents, and Nat pacing to and fro with lowered eyes and 
knitted brow. Penelope was not there, she had been wan- 
dering tireless and fearlessly over the rocks, into the very 
breakers which flung up their foaming columns on the 


148 




northern shore, and she was still searching bush and 
thicket, calling in low and passionate entreaty upon Lina’s 
name. 

“ It is useless to give further attention here, ” said Nat, 
coming up to Paul and Urban Foss. “Whatever has taken 
those girls away has removed them safely from this vicin- 
ity. I propose to go over to the nearest town, and give 
the matter at once into the hands of the proper authorities. 
It is the surest and speediest way of finding them. ” 

Paul and Urban looked at each other gloomily. 

“I suppose there is no other way,” said Paul, wearily ; 
“but the publicity will be very trying.” 

Here Theodosia rushed forward, exclaiming ; 

“ A boat has passed off from the other shore. Don’t you 
see a woman’s shawl fluttering? Oh, they have found her. 
She is coming back. ” 

Nat sprang upon a rock, and flashed an eagle glance 
across the water. 

“Yes, yes. I do believe there are two women there, 
and a man rowing them. Oh, the Lord be praised !” 

And Rhoda took up the glad cry, and fell into a hysteri- 
cal passion of weeping. The whole group hurried down to 
the landing, and the joyful talk reached Penelope’s ears, 
and she came bounding around the point, her eyes glisten- 
ing with a wild feverish glare that made them seem unnat- 
urally large as they looked forth from the ghastly face. 

“She is coming; oh, Penelope, she is coming!” ex- 
claimed Rhoda. 

Theodosia gave the speaker a sharp glance and an angry 
push. 

“Leave her alone. All this trouble comes out of Pen- 
elope’s fine management. If the girl were really lost, my 
curse should follow my father’s.” 

Penelope shivered, and rushed up to Nat. 

“Is it true? Is she really coming ?” she asked, breath- 
lessly. 

“It looks like it,” returned Nat, in his gentlest tone. 
“Don’t you see the boat yonder, and there are two women 
in it certainly. ” 

But as the boat came within nearer vision Nat’s heart 
sank again. If those bowed forms were the straight, slen- 
der flgures whose graceful carriage identified them always 
before the countenance was visible, what woeful thing had 
happened to Lina and Serena ? He spoke not a word of 
alarm, however. It was Penelope who cried out first in 
sharp, agonized tones ; 


A SIZVm BRAND. 149 

“It is not Lina ! Oh, Heaven have mercy! it is not 
Lina. ” 

A brief time longer and there was no opportunity for 
doubt. No, it was not Lina nor was it Serena. 

A stout-armed man, a stranger, was rowing two old 
women, who seemed quite as agitated as the group on 
shore. 

The pale, mild-eyed old lady at the bow rose up before 
the boat touched the shore, and stretching out her airms, 
asked, piteously : 

“Do you know anything about my granddaughter ? Is 
Serena here ? Serena has not come home, and I am fright- 
ened about her. ” 

“Serena!” exclaimed Theodosia Foss, harshly ; “what 
matter about Serena ? She deserves whatever fate has 
come upon her. She led Lina into this trouble. Would to 
Heaven we had never heard Serena’s name !” 

Poor Madame Peyron stared at the fierce-eyed, grim- 
looking woman in frightened dismay. 

But Nat hastily interposed, and hurried down to the boat 
to assist her trembling steps. 

“Do not heed such ungracious words. Madam, your 
granddaughter was in no wise blameable. She was every- 
thing good, and gentle, and lovely. But alas, you find us 
unable to explain her mysterious absence.’’ 

And then in gentle, respectful tones he related the 
strange event of the previous evening. . 

Good Mrs. Haynes burst into wild lamentation. 

“ Oh, Madame Peyron, what will you do ? what ever will 
you do? Oh, that sweet angel, that made sunshine in 
every spot she showed her face. She is drowned ; she is 
murdered !” 

The poor old lady put both hands on Nat’s arm to steady 
her wavering figure, the tears poured over her cheeks, but 
she controlled herself enough to ask, composedly : 

“You are good and kind, sir. Will you tell me what I 
must do to find the dear child ? I am a feeble, ignorant 
old woman ; tell me what I ought to do. ” 

“Go home, and try to be patient,” he answered, tremu- 
lously. “ Pray for her, my dear madam, and leave the 
rest to us. We are to search every way for Serena’s 
friend. What means are used for one will of course an- 
swer for the other. Go back and keep yourself as calm as 
possible. I know what your grief is, and sympathize with 
it. I am Nat, the taxidermist, and you know I was very 
fond of Serena. I will leave no means untried to find her, 


150 


A J^'ILVEH BRAND. 


and I promise to send you word the first hint of intelli 
gence that comes to us. ” 

The poor old grandmother turned obediently to the boat 

“ITl do as he says, it is all I can do. You may row us 
home again, Luke, ” she said, mournfully. 

“ And try to keep up a good heart. Believe me every- 
thing shall be done that can be,” repeated Nat. 

“ What makes you so interested, sir ?” demanded Theo- 
dosia, suspiciously. “ What are these girls to you ?” 

“ They are my dear little friends. I loved them both, ” 
returned Nat, with dignity, “and I will do my best to save 
them if they are in danger, or to ascertain what fate has 
overtaken them. And every moment is precious, and we 
waste them here in idle recrimination. I am going over 
to the town at once. ” 

Paul and Urban Foss had been conversing together in 
low tones. The latter advanced again. 

“ I will accompany you if you have no objection, Mr. 
Nathaniel. As you say, the search for one is the same as 
the search for the other. This Serena, I understand, 
taughf school over yonder, and is therefore compara- 
tively well known, while our niece, of course, is a perfect 
stranger off of the island. Would it not be well then to 
give prominence to Serena’s name and description ? We 
shall offer a liberal reward, of course, as much and more 
indeed than our means warrant. But let it be offered for 
the recovery of the schoolmistress and her friend. Your 
own purse, I judge, will hardly warrant much outlaj^. Let 
our reward go for the pair.” 

Nat nodded his silent acquiescence. 

“ The, man is a brute who wants a reward for such a 
deed,” quoth a grizzly-headed old fisherman standing 
near. “ Therh two pretty creatures I’ve watched ’em 
often, walking below on the beach, and times enough I’ve 
said ‘ another such handsome pair wasn’t to be found in 
the country.’ We’ll find ’em, Mr. Nathaniel. Yes, Mr. 
Foss we’ll find ’em without any reward. But it does beat 
all natur that we hain’t the first idea what become of ’em.” 

One of the speaker’s neighbors here crowded forward. 

“ I’ve been turning over something in my mind, sirs,” 
said he, “mebbe you’ll make something out of it, and 
mebbe you won’t. But that ’ere strange sailor that came 
this week, and hired to go fishing with me, was asking lots 
of questions about Miss Lina, and he was always a speer- 
ing round up the path to Rock House. I don’t know as 
he’s a thing to do with this ugly business, but I can’t find 


A SILVER BRAKE. 


151 

him anywhere on the island, and I hain’t seen him since 
supper time last night.” 

At this information there rose a little murmur of in- 
quiry and dissent. 

“ What was the man like ?” asked Nat. 

“I’m a poor hand at describin’ folks, but he was an 
ugly looking chap, and you never got a square look out of 
him, as I remember, not giving much thought, you know, 
except for the fishing. He said his name was Jack Robin- 
son, which might be, and might not. Hillo !” 

He said this as a man shoved himself in view from be- 
hind the ledge. 

“ There he is— there’s the fellow now. Where in the 
world has he come from ?” 

Robinson, who was the same man who had watched Nat 
that day upon the shore with such malignant eyes, came 
along whistling, his hat pulled down low upon his forehead. 

No sooner had the taxidermist’s eyes fallen upon him 
than he turned himself about. 

“Watch him without allowing him to suspect your sus- 
picions,” said he to Urban Foss, and calling Paul, he 
leaped into his own boat and took up the oars, taking care 
not to turn his face to Robinson’s view. As soon as Paul 
Foss joined him he pushed off. 

“I don’t see how one man could spirit away those two 
girls without a single warning cry,” said Paul, looking 
down gloomily into the water. , . 

Nat did not answer. He was. rowing with fierce ; energy, 
his forehead knit into a heavy frown, his eyes troubled, 
his lips pressed together grimly. 

“ I almost wish I had staid to question the fellow, ” spoke 
Paul again. 

Upon which Nat roused himself. 

“You should have said so. For myself I was very anx- 
ious to get away. I know the man, and a more hardened, 
brutal wretch does not exist. I knocked him down once, 
and spoiled a thieving, murderous project of his. If he 
had any object he would be just the man for such a black 
deed as this. I do not want him to recognize me, but I 
shall take care that he is watched closely, though I con- 
fess my suspicions do not point to him. ” 

“Have you the slightest suspicion in any quarter?” 
questioned Paul, anxiously. “ I confess I have not. ” 

Nat shook his head, but the frown grew deeper. 

“ I think I shall leave you to state the circumstances to 
the justice,” he said, presently. “ I shall run myself in the 


152 


A Sizvm BJiJJVD. 


first train to the port. I want to put a watch on the 
passengers in the ocean steamers.” 

Paul looked up quickly. 

“The ocean steamers !” ejaculated he, his very lips 
blanching, and then he stopped short and looked at Nat, 
sullenly and suspiciously. 

“Yes,” returned Nat, calmly, “that is the route refugees 
from justice usually take. Their first move is to get out 
of the country. ” 

“And would Lina be taken likewise? Great heavens! 
the mischief that may come of it 1” muttered Paul, wiping 
his clammy forehead. “ Theodosia was right. After that 
warning we should not have left her out of our sight a 
single moment, day or night. ” 

Nat leaped ashore the moment they touched the beach 
of the mainland, and bidding Paul precede him up the 
path, hurried around himself to the cabin of a clam-dredger 
just in sight. 

The man was just bringing up some young lobsters 
caught by his traul, and turned respectfplly when Nat 
called to him. 

“Mike, do you remember the young gentleman you 
brought over to the island ? The stranger who wanted me 
to get him a collection of birds, you know ?” 

“Oh, yes — Mr. Nat — I remember him.” 

“You are almost always around when boats come and 
go from this side. Did you see anything of him yesterday ?” 

“To be sure I did. He came over with White, the 
fisherman, and went off up to the village. ” 

“He did not come back with White, though I had rea- 
son to expect him, ” spoke up Nat, sharply. 

“No, sir, he didn’t,” said Mike, digging one brown hand 
into the shock of sandy hair under his torn straw hat. 
“I’d a plaguey sight rather ha’ seen him than as he did 
go.” 

“How was that?” demanded Nat, pulling desperately at 
his neck-cloth as if something were strangling him there. 

“ He went with the pretty schoolmarm, with Miss Serena, 
sir. And he looked mightily pleased about it, and too 
handsome by half for my liking. It isn’t much good for a 
pretty girl like her to be listening to the idle talk of these 
fine foreigners ; now, is it, Mr. Nat? I wish you’d hint it 
to her, for she’s a good girl. My Nell thinks she’s plaguey 
near an angel without wings.” 

“He went with Serena !” ejaculated Nat, hoarsely. “How 
bad he seen her ? Where had he made her acquaintance ?” 


A SlZVJSIi BRAND. 


153 


“It’s more than I can tell you, sir, but for all that they 
seemed to understand one another very well. I saw them 
again when I went out to the nets, and they had taken a 
pretty long course to make the island, and her pleasant 
laugh came over the water to me, and I says to myself, 
* You dear little Serena, you are having a nice time, but I 
hope there’s no snare set for your innocent feet. It won’t 
do for pretty things like you to trust too much to these 
foreign jackanapes.’ That’s what I thought, sir, and I’m 
glad as I’ve had a chance to speak about it to you, who 
she calls her friend, and who I know is her friend. ” 

“A snare, indeed !” groaned Nat. “Curse his treachery.” 

“ Eh ?” ejaculated Mike, staring blankly at the speaker. 

“She is missing, Mike. Serena has not been seen since 
last evening. She and her boat and a young girl who 
went to meet her are all missing. ” 

“ The Lord save us ! and what does he say about it ? He 
can’t deny my seeing them together.” 

“ He is not to be found. I cannot find a trace of him. 
Mike, look out for any track of him, will you, and when I 
come back let me know if there’s anything discovered. 
You sha’n’t lose by it.” 

“Bless your soul. I wouldn’t niind losing if, I can be of 
service. The pretty schoolmarm missing — Nell will cry 
her eyes out. She’s just got ready for school. I’ll do my 
best, sir.” , 

Nat hurried on to overtake Paul, arid all the jvay he 
clenched his hand and ground his heel down sharply into 
the sand, while he thought, bitterly : 

“ I can’t help suspecting him, and yet it cuts me to the 
heart to do it. I was growing so fond oi him ; he seemed 
so frank and manly and noble-hearted. Ah, what duplic- 
ity must dwell in the heart, that one so young is able to 
deceive so thoroughly. Oh, Stephano, Stephano; it is a 
terrible mistake that you have made ! But why has he 
taken both ? It all puzzles and baffles me. ” 

Paul sighed heavily as he saw Nat’s gloomy face when 
the latter overtook him just as he entered the village. 

“ You have learned nothing favorable, I see. Do you 
know I have thought of something which has almost 
tempted me to rush back to the island. You know that 
cave just beyond the breakers ; I’ve heard the fishermen’s 
curious stories about it, but I never cared to venture my- 
self into that surf to get a glimpse of its wonders. What 
if their boat was caught in the current and sucked into the 
cave. Such a thing might be, I suppose.” 


154 


A SILFEB BBAEB. 


“It was the first place White and I visited at daybreak,” 
answered Nat. “The surf was too high to get into the 
cave, but we called and called without obtaining any 
answer. At low tide White will go again, but I do not 
think it will avail. I do not believe it is on such a track 
we are to look but let us go in with the story to the justice, 
and set a detective at work. ” 

Paul Foss obeyed meekly, all the while pondering upon 
the oddness of his thus tacitly admitting the authority, 
and secretly acknowledging the superior judgment of the 
hermit taxidermist. 


CHAPTER XV. 

LADY THERESA’S PROMISE. 

“You have a story to tell me,” said the Baron Valentin, 
courteously ; “ well, if I am a voluble talker, I have the 
compensating merit of being also an admirable listener. 
Let me hear it by all means, Herr Dalberg. ’’ 

Aubrey was a little disturbed by Lady Theresa’s man- 
ner, and not inclined to any further communications, but 
his own ardent desire to explain to his fair unknown the 
meaning of that coat of arms induced him to repeat the 
story in as brief terms as possible, meantime watching 
closely every shade of expression on his listener’s face. 

The baron’s manner of receiving it was somewhat diffi- 
cult to decipher. Now he smiled proudly, and anon, his 
face darkened, but upon the whole he seemed singularly 
pleased. 

He rose quietly and walking to a secretaire, unlocked a 
drawer, and took out a piece of paper, and brought it back 
to the young man. 

“ Is that the drawing she gave you ?” 

“The very same !” answered Aubrey, eagerly, holding it 
up, and comparing it, line by line, with the armorial de- 
vice emblazed a dozen times on the several articles of 
furniture around him. 

“Yes. Roderich took it out of the pocket-book with the 
other private papers. We thought you had copied it your- 
self, and I laid it away in the drawer yonder. So she drew 
it herself and could not guess its meaning. ” 

“ It is the Schwarzenberg device I” exclaimed Aubrey, in 
profound amazement. 

“Yes, it is the Schwarzenberg crest,” replied the baron. 


A SILVER BRAND, 


155 


“ And she— do you know who she ? Did Lady Theresa 
know ?” demanded Aubrey. 

“ I have no question about her identity. And you say 
she is beautiful and charming. Heaven speed Stephano’s 
wooing !” returned the baron, walking to the window, rub* 
bing his hands together softly. 

A sullen red swept into Aubrey Dalberg’s face. 

“ Do you mean that your son ha^ gone to America to 
marry this girl ? Your daughter gave me to understand 
that it was to procure an important witness in vour 
behalf.” 

“ It was for both objects, my dear friend ; one certainly 
as important as the other. And so you have seen her ? 
It mak6s her seem less like a myth. It vas so many 
years before I dreamed of her existence I can never make 
it real. And she is young and lovely, but unsophisticated 
evidently, and kept secluded. The more propitious for 
Stephano, who has quick wits and a generous heart with 
his good looks.” 

Aubrey clenched his hands on the arm of the chair. His 
blood was burning and tingling in very vein. 

Was this the help he had given them — this sending an- 
other to win the beautiful maideh who had reigned queen 
of his thoughts, star of his hopes, ever since he had crossed 
the Atlantic. 

The baron could not fail to perceive his discomposure. 

“You are not pleased, I see, Herr Dalberg,,yet I cannot 
see any reason for it.” \ 

“I am not,” returned Aubrey, quickly. “I grow every 
moment more impatient of this restraint, more disgusted 
with the whole affair.” 

The baron reddened, and stood a moment irresolute. 

“Besides,” continued Aubrey, coldly, “what do I know 
of Stephano ? What satisfactory assurance have I that he 
is worthy of this good and gentle girl ? I am in a measure 
responsible for the result, since I am the unconscious 
means of bringing it about. I cannot think it is well or 
rightly done that he has gone masquerading to America 
in my name. I insist upon a full explanation of who and 
what she is.” 

“Insist I” repeated the baron, his haughty, temple flam- 
ing up ; “ that is a singular word for Herr Dalberg to use.” 

“Perhaps Von Schubert would not think so,” answered 
Aubrey, walking hastily to the door, and laying his hand 
on the key. “You may believe me nothing but a drivel- 
ing idiot, ready to cower with fear before your threats. I 


166 


A SJZVim BRAND. 


confess my senseless acquiescence in your plot has given 
you reason for it. But I assure you it was only a natural 
sympathy with what seemed to be injured and worthy in- 
nocence. Besides your daughter’s appeal to my compassion 
awoke the honorable chivalry wTiich lies dormant in every 
true man’s breast, and urged me to resign myself con- 
tentedly, since the mischief was done. Now, however, I 
recognize another and more powerful call. I must return 
to America promptly. I will not remain here quietly an- 
other day. ” 

The resolutely glistening eye, the firm bearing of the 
young man seemed to fill the baron with consternation 
and dismay. 

“Good heavens, Herr Dai berg, what can you mean? 
What have I said or done to give such offense to you ? Be 
seated, I pray you, and I will answer any and all your 
questions,” he cried, incoherently. 

Aubrey quietly withdrew the key from the lock and put 
it in his pocket, then walked forward and seated himself 
in the nearest chair. 

“ Who is this young girl ?” he asked. 

“She is the Baroness Schwarzenberg, ” answered the 
Baron Valentin, tremulously. 

Aubrey felt a little chilly thrill steal over him at the 
momentous import of this intelligence, but he kept the 
same stern, resolute expression of countenance. 

“How can you identify her by my description ?” he asked 
again. 

“Because you bring the armorial device on the paper, 
and especially by the mark upon the wrist, which you 
tell me a bracelet hides. I do not ask better proof now 
that I have learned of her existence.” 

This last allusion led Aubrey to remember the strange 
effect of his own birth-mark upon the Lady Theresa.' 
Baring his arm hastily he held it before the baron’s aston- 
ished eyes. 

“There are other wrists that bear the same mark. See I” 

The baron seized his arm with a grip that left its purple 
mark behind, and stared' down upon it as if unable to 
credit his own eyesight. He pulled out his eye-glass, and 
held it over it. 

Aubrey bent down and looked with him, wondering 
meanwhile at the stupidity he had shown in never making 
such an examination before. He turned deadly pale as he 
gazed. Lo ! the blur spread out into distinct and sym- 


A 6'ILFFB BBAW. 167 

metrical lines— it was not a careless blot, a freak of nature. 
He saw in a moment that it was an indelible stamp. 

The baron’s hand shook, and the eye-glass dropped. 

“ Let me bring a powerful magnifying glass that is in 
the library,” he implored. 

And Aubrey opened the door, and let him out. He re- 
turned promptly with Theresa behind him, who stared and 
shrugged, her shoulders as she saw the young man’s guard- 
ianship of the door-key. 

The glass revealed what seemed almost a miracle. There 
was no longer a doubt. What seemed little accidental 
dots and jagged lines came out distinct and clear upon the 
smooth, fair skin. There was the coat of arms again, the 
third time for that day before his eyes, with a new sig- 
nificance. 

“Great heavens!” exclaimed Aubrey Dalberg “The 
crest of Schwarzenberg, and indelibly stamped on my 
wrist !” 

His own amazement was too evident to be doubted. 
His face was ghastli^ than the baron’s, and his hand 
trembled more nervously. 

“What is the meaning of all this?” stammered the 
baron. 

“Another mystery added to the already burdened annals 
of Schwarzenberg,” quoth Lady Theresa’S clear, sarcastic 
voice ; “ for my part, my father, I am tired of trying to 
read them.”' ' ; . 

“You said you were born of American parentage,” com- 
plained the baron, turning indignantly upon Aubrey. 

“ So I did, and so I suppose I have a loving and tender 
mother now at home. My father died a year and more 
ago. Never for an instant have I questioned my parentage.” 

And here Aubrey paused, struck dumb by a remem- 
brance that came up to him, and gathered significance. 
What was it the dying Dalberg had tried to tell him, with 
such a piteous look in his glazing eye ? His mother had 
persuaded him that it was only the wanderings of a falling 
mind ; might it not have been something in reference to 
this strange mark, whose microscopic characters were only 
revealed by the powerful aid of the magnifying glass ? 
There had been something too in his mother’s manner. 

Aubrey was uneasy, and vaguely disquieted, and the 
baron even more so. 

“ Theresa, ” said he, “ the .silver brand ought to be in 
among the heir-looms. Go, sing to Von Schubert, charm 
him into good humor, and coax him to take you to the 


158 


A SILVER BRAND. 


treasures. Once freely handling them, I will trust your 
woman’s wit to secret the brand about your person. I 
shall have no peace until I try if it fits to that mark. ” 

Theresa was in no wise loth. A rich color came to her 
cheeks, her eye sparkled, and at the door she turned and 
said, half it would seem in menace, half in excuse : 

“ Remember, it is by your order I go. Baron Baer, it is 
your wish that I should charm Herr von Schubert. Blame 
me not for what comes of it. ” 

Her father scarcely took in the meaning of the words. 
He was examining again with closest attention the signifi- 
cant mark upon the young man’s wrist. 

“ Tf it should be,” he muttered, gloomily. 

“ I think I have fallen into the castle of mystery !” ex- 
claimed Aubrey, impatiently, “ and all things have grown 
misty and unreal to me. I would have staked my life, a 
few weeks since, upon my own identity and my mother’s 

good faith with me. Now ” And here he broke into a 

troubled, bitter laugh, “ now I dare not even swear that 
my name is my own. ” 

The baron was pacing slowly to and fro. He turned at 
this speech as if he thought some answer was expected of 
him. 

‘Hndeed,” he said; “and I dare not tell you what wild 
conjectures are dazing me. It is inexplicable, thoroughly 
inexplicable. 

“I wonder if Dr. Mentz can tell me anything,” mut- 
tered Aubrey. “The old man certainly had a singular 
way when I went to him with my mother’s letter.” 

“Mentz? our Grerman physician, do you mean?” ques- 
tioned the baron, sharply. 

“The same. My mother was very particular that I 
should go and see him. It seems she had pleasant and 
kindly memories of him.” 

“ Then your mother has been in Germany ?” 

“Certainly. My parents spent three years in Europe. I 
have always understood that I was born at Berlin. It was 
one reason that induceti me to come this way instead of 
following the direct route. ” 

“It makes the thing more probable,” muttered the baron. 
“If Mentz knows anything, he can be forced to speak.” 

And then he fell again into his pacing walk, while 
Aubrey sat with forehead resting on his clasped hands, 
bewildered and distressed by the wild ideas that thronged 
upon him. 

Meantime Theresa had glided swiftly down stairs, care- 


A SIL VEH BRAND, 


159 


fully glanced over the rooms, and finding them empty, 
had passed out of doors. She saw Von Schubert’s tall 
figure standing in the garden, with rings of silvery smoke 
from his meerschaum floating around his head. 

She caught a branch of scarlet blossoms from a shrub as 
she passed, and fastened it in her hair, well understand- 
ing how the brilliant tint became her dark eyes and mid- 
night tresses. 

Then as she neared the walk in which he stood she slack- 
ened her steps, folded her arms, and seemed to be walking 
abstractedly unconscious of aught around her. 

He heard her step, and turned, his swarthy cheek flush- 
ing, his eye brightening, in spite of his efforts to the 
contrary. 

“Lady Theresa, it is long since I have seen you here. 
Your devotion to your brother’s sick-bed has been untir- 
ing, yet I am glad for your own health’s sake to see you 
out in the fresh air, ” he said, removing the meerschaum 
from his lips, and bowing with something beyond respect- 
ful courtesy. 

She gave a little start, as if for the first time aware of 
his vicinity. 

“ Ah, it is you, Herr von Schubert. Yes, I have come 
for the fresh air ; I am weary, thirsty, stifled.” 

There was a tragic intonation in the rich voice that ap- 
pealed to the man’s quick sensibilities. 

“ It is no wonder, my lady ; it is a dreary life for one so 
young and gifted — and — pardon me, so wondrously 
beautiful.” 

“ But it is a life I cannot escape ; that it is my duty to 
endure,” she returned, softly. 

The voice was gentleness itself. Von Schubert’s heart 
throbbed. How long it had been since she had spoken 
thus in friendliness. 

“Are you sure the first duty is not your own happi- 
ness?” he asked. 

“My own happiness? Ah, whither should I go for it ?” 
murmured the beautiful siren, her head drooping, her long, 
jetty eyelashes sweeping low upon the scarlet cheek. 

“If you would allow me to show you !” ventured Von 
Schubert, his admiring eyes losing no single attribute of 
the maidenly loveliness before him. “ Oh, Lady Theresa, 
do not be angry with me, your gentleness makes me bold.” 

She half turned her graceful head. A tremulous weak- 
ness was in the murmuring voice. 

“ Because I am so tired, Herr von Schubert. I have no 


160 


A JSJZV^B ZJRAJ^Z. 


strength to wear my mask of haughtiness and scorn. 
There is a limit to human endurance. I am weak and 
vulnerable to day. You must not tempt me. Go away, 
and leave me to recover strength. ” 

As she spoke she sank down indolently upon the grassy 
bank, the round white arms falling listlessly over her lap. 

A far less imperious man would have resisted a dis- 
missal in that languid voice. Von Schubert’s dark face 
kindled with passionate love, and an almost triumphant 
joy, as he moved nearer. 

“ Lady Theresa, dear Lady Theresa, your sweet confes- 
sion thrills me with new hope. It is a mask, your cold- 
ness, and pride, and haughtiness to your wild adorer, your 
devoted servant ! then it hides your tri e sentiments. I 
too am tired, tired and sick at heart waiting for a single 
tender word from the lips that hold a fiat for me more mo- 
mentous than anything my royal master can do or say. 
Give me one little ray of hope. Lady Theresa. ” 

He fiung himself down upon the bank at her feet, and 
looked imploringly into her face. No one could question 
the strength and sincerity of the overmastering passion 
which consumed him, gazing into his agitated face. 

Still she hung her head and twisted the white fingers 
nervously together. 

“You know how I love you. Lady Theresa,” he went on, 
in a low, deep tone. “ You know that I linger here, like a 
wretched coward, only to catch a glimpse now and then 
of your face — to hear your voice, even though it speak but 
angry and bitter words. You know that you have dis- 
armed my just resentment against your father— softened 
the wrath and family hatred that was instilled with my 
earliest breath — made me half despise myself, and yet 
cling, caressing the chains that fetter and degrade me. 
You know all this— why do I tell it over to you ? And 
yet, Theresa, you have never yet given me a pitying 
word.” 

“Have I not?” murmured she, softly; “and that shows 
what implicit obedience I have yielded to duty. Herr von 
Schubert, my father’s daughter, should not have a pitying 
word— she is< culpable if she allows a secret friendly 
thought for the jailer of Schwarzenherg Heights.” 

He frowned and bit his lip, and then returned impetu- 
ously : 

“ Am I not compelled to obey the royal mandate ? More- 
over, is it not for all your good that I remain ? Another 
man, selected by the prince, would be likely to be cruel, 


A SiLVJEli BRA^D. 


i6i 

harsh, and tyrannical, set in authority here. It is for your 
sake I remain, fair Theresa.” 

“Is it true? Then I thank you for it, Herr von Schu- 
bert. Would that I might credit all you have spoken.” 

“ What do you doubt ?” he asked, earnestly. 

“You say that I have softened your resentment, dis- 
armed the family feud of its power. Herr von ‘Schubert, 
that is scarcely true. You watch us still with lynx-eyed 
vigilance. You are scrupulously faithful in the minutest 
particular to the interests of our enemy.” 

“ By Heaven ! it may be true in the letter — mine honor- 
able standing requires it, but in the spirit I stand con- 
victed before myself as guilty and faithless !” he returned, 
fiercely. “ I am tempted again and again to fling myself 
at your feet, and to seek to win your favor by the most 
dastardly treachery. I am insane enough often to offer to 
fly with your father to a foreign land, if only that fair 
hand of yours would be given as reward — to forsake hon- 
ors, and fortune, and country for you.” 

All this time she had refrained from looking at him. 
Now she lifted her eyes, and slowly turned their dazzling, 
melting splendor upon him. 

What he read there seemed to fill him with an almost 
insane ecstasy. 

He caught the hem of her dress, and covered it with 
wild kisses. 

“ Theresa !- Theresa', you. cannot hide it any lopger. My 
great love has kindled a response. ” 

She dropped her face into her clasping hands with a 
low cry. 

“ What have I said ? what have I done ?” she sobbed. 
“It cannot be— you know it cannot be. You, Herr von 
Schubert and I, the daughter of Valentin, Baron Baer ! 
Oh ! it is cruel in you to stay when I am weak, and tired, 
and shorn of all my courage Go ! You are my father’s 
jailer and mine. ” 

“Nay, nay, sweet trembler — sweeter, and lovelier, and 
more resistless in this womanly mood than in your queen- 
liest pride and haughtiness,” pleaded Von Schubert, losing 
all his stateliness and self-command. “ The only lock I 
would turn upon you would be the key that should secure 
you safely in my heart. I am no longer your father’s 
enemy, and yours I never was. By Heaven ! I repeat 
what would cost me my head if these guards should hear 
it ! I repeat it ! Theresa, you know I am rich and power- 
ful, and thoroughly trusted by the prince, and therefore 


162 


A JSILVJSH JBBAJVD. 


also by his majesty, the king. I will insure what I offered 
but now. I will transfer my fortune to England — all that 
is available. It will be enough for all our rational wants. 
And I will save your father all, all ! And believe me it 
will be no light task, no common risk ; but I swear I will 
do it, if you will love me and become my wife. ” 

His whole figure was shaken by the great emotion which 
such a mental struggle induced. 

Theresa looked at him almost wonderingly. 

“Oh, what heroic devotion! what knightly love,” she 
said, mentally. “Can the wide world offer me anything 
more precious ?” 

Aloud she answered, in a fluttering voice : 

Let me have time to think of this, Herr von Schubert. 
And give me proof of your sincerity by unlocking the 
escritoire of heir-looms for me. I have a curiosity to see 
the silver brand that has had such famous history in the 
Schwarzenberg line. Thank Heaven, it never disfigured 
wrist of mine 1 Let me take the brand ; I give you my 
word that it shall be safely returned. ” 

“You shall have it. But, Theresa, am I not to have one 
word of hope ? You know how this wild passion fevers 
my blood ; it does not cool lightly as might be with a 
younger man. I suffer tortures doubting and fearing. 
Lady Theresa, give me some sort of answer, I pray you. 
Do you love me ?” 

She yielded her hand to his bold grasp, and whispered 
back : 

“ Do not ask me yet. Give me time to think. Is it not 
enough for me to say that I— do— not— hate you as I did ?” 

A radiant smile broke over his dark, stern face. 

“ The next step is love !” he cried, exultantly. “ Come 
and take the silver brand, and leave me happy with this 
crumb of comfort. ” 

While yet Aubrey and the baron sat in blank silence, 
the girl swept in upon them. Another time the father 
might have noted suspiciously how her eyes shone and her 
cheeks burned, but now he was too preoccupied with the 
present dilemma. 

She tossed the quaintly carved toy upon the table. 
Aubrey looked at it curiously. To a common eye it was 
an unintelligible puzzle, a blotch of the most infinitesimal 
carving. The magnifying glass showed him it was an ex- 
quisitely cut stamp of tiny silver pricks perfectly copying 
the Schwarzenberg crest. 


A SILVEE BE AND. 


163 


He laid it lightly on the mark which marred his wrist, 
and it just covered the discolored oval. 

“ The silver brand^has been in the Schwarzenberg family 
for nearly two hundred years,” said the husky voice of 
the Baron Valentin. “ At birth the eldest child of -the eld- 
est child has always been stamped upon the wrist with 
this brand. Its counterpart has never been known, and 
this has been jealously guarded. I, myself, not being of 
the direct line, nor at the time of birth at all likely to be- 
come an heir here, had no call for it. None of my chil- 
dren bore it. The last baron of course received the mark 
at his birth ; his eldest child should also bear the same 
stamp. It is only recently that I have suspected the ex- 
istence of a concealed heir. I have been assured that it 
was a daughter, and Stephano has gone' to marry her. 
Now, I pray you, give me some clew to explain how I find 
the same with you.” 

Aubrey drew a long quivering breath. 

“ It is a jirofound mystery. It is thoroughly inexplic- 
able. Let me go home and ask an explanation of my 
mother !” he faltered. 

“Your faith in your claim to the name of Dalberg is not 
so strong but some secret conviction has shaken it, ” said 
the baron. “Good heavens! how a little knowledge will 
open the eyes 1 I laughed at Theresa when she insisted 
that you had the look of the old Baron Max ; but I see it 
now — I see it only to'cr plainly. ” • , * . 

Aubrey was dumb beneath the press of conflicting 
thoughts, and the baron be^an pacing the room again. 
Suddenly the monotonous tramp ceased, and the baron 
laid a hand tightly on his shoulder. 

“ My friend, I see a happy solution for us all. Pardon 
the abruptness of the proposal. Marry my daughter, and 
be the master of Schwarzenberg, whether you have right- 
ful claim or not. ” 

Theresa turned her head quickly, and looked eagerly 
into his face. She was interested, keenly so, in the an- 
swer, and could scarcely tell whether it gave her pain or 
pleasure. He was young and handsome, gifted in mind 
and noble of heart. It was true her girlish fancy had at 
first gone out to him ; but this afternoon had showed her 
such a strength and passion of devotion, such an utter 
self-abnegation, that she read Aubrey’s listlessness and 
indifference in its true light. Her eye flashed proudly 
then when she heard him answer, indignantly : 

“ I beg your pardon, my lord ; but my heart’s love and 


164 


A SILV^B BBAND. 


happiness are not to be bartered, nor driven here or there 
by interested motives. I do not love the Lady Theresa, 
however I may admire and respect her. ” 

“Nor could Theresa love you,” rejoined the girl, calmly. 
“Dear father, spare yourself further scheming. All shall 
be arranged satisfactorily. ” 

The baron drew a long sigh. 

“ But I must be set at liberty. You must give me free 
egress from this place. I must hasten to America as 
swiftly as I can find means to go, ” said Aubrey^ firmly. 
“ I must leave to-morrow. Two months and more is long 
enough time to have given you.” 

“To-morrow!” repeated the baron, in consternation. 
“ It will take weeks to arrange so delicate and dangerous a 
matter. Remember, Von Schubert must be outwitted, 
and I must contrive to send a message that Roderich will 
understand, and ” 

“He shall go to-morrow if he likes,” spoke* up Theresa, 
calmly. “Leave Von Schubert to me, my father, and 
trouble yourself in no wise about the arrangements. At 
last I see my way clear, and read my own heart aright. ” 

As she spoke the last words she caught up the silver 
brand, and swept away out of the room. 

The baron passed his hand wearily across his forehead. 

“ All this is perplexing, and very wearing. I am 
completely exhausted of strength. Perhaps it is best, 
as she says, that we should spare ourselves the wor- 
riment, if her plans are well matured, I pray you, rest 
calmly, if you can, my friend. I must go to my own 
chamber for a little sleep. ” 

“ Let me lock the door behind you. I must be my own 
jailer in future, ” said Aubrey, kindly. “ But I promise 
you to remain here quietly until the morning reveals what 
Lady Theresa’s promise is worth.” 


CHAPTER XVI. 

LANDING OF THE BALLOON. 

Straight downward toward the hashing blue water shot 
the balloon, and with dizzy brains and fainting breath, the 
pair of hapless aerial voyagers sought to fortify them- 
selves against the terrible shock which they knew must so 
speedily come. While he held firmly to the edge of thq 




A mLVEll BEAm. 165 

little car, the aeronaut clutched also a loose rope, hoping 
vaguely that ' it might serve someway in the exigency. 
Just, however, as the collapsing globe arrived within a 
few feet of the surface of the water, a strong current, that 
was blowing close to the earth, swept it along, tilting it to 
and fro so that it was with the utmost difficulty they could 
save themselves from being thrown out. Then they were 
whirled along over the bank, dragging against the tops of 
the tall trees that grew there, and shot blindly along just 
above the shrubbery. The aeronaut uttered an exclamation 
of thanksgiving, and the lady opening her eyes, and look- 
ing down, made a movement as if to leap downward, but 
her companion clutched her desperately. 

“ It would be the height of madness to le^p out. I hope 
we shall catch in the boughs of a tree. We are going 
lower and lower. Keep a brave heart ; the worst, -I am 
sure, is over.” 

And his prophecy proved a true one. 

Swept along to the rude jolting course, but nearer and 
nearer the ground, the outreaching bough of a huge wal- 
nut tree entangled itself in the torn silk of the balloon, 
and arrested its course momentarily, but long enough to 
give the aeronaut an opportunity to fling his rope over the 
bough, and secure it before the balloOn could make its 
escape. 

“Now, may Heaven . be praised for its mercy!” he ex- 
claimed. * ” • . ^ . 

The white lips beside him shaped a voiceless thanks- 
giving as she stood up and took hold of the bough to 
steady herself, since, of course, the car was left without 
support. 

“Wait a moment, and I will manage a safe descent for 
you, ” he said, springing nimbly himself to catch a limb, 
and swinging over it into the fork of the trunk. The next 
moment he added, hastily, “We are close to a road of 
some sort, and there is a grand carriage with liveried ser- 
vants waiting- there. I think they have been watching 
our fall, and the gentleman in the coach seems to be 
directing some investigation. What will you do ? lam 
sure they will be down upon us in a moment. If you had 
only a vail. ” 

“I must get into the tree,” she answered, promptly. 
“Reach me that bough, and your hand.” 

And the next moment she was crouching among the 
foliage, with her arms clasped tightly about the trunk. 

“ Can you remain comfortably ?” he asked, while be cut 


166 A mpm ^BAND, 

hastily at the bough and rope which restrained the ruined 
balloon. 

“ I can, I am sure. Take away this white mantle. ” 

The car fell crashing to the ground, and the wretched 
remnant of the aeronaut’s pride dropped sullenly after it. 

“ My poor Bird of the xlir !” he murmured, sorrowfully, 
and dragged the debris some yards away from the tree. 

None too soon, for two liveried men came at that mo- 
ment crashing through the tall shrubbery that bordered 
the road, and concealed it from the field in which the hap- 
less “ Bird of the Air” had landed. 

“ Any harm done ?” asked one. 

The aeronaut pointed to the forlorn remnants, and shook 
his head sorrowfully. 

“ Humph !” growled the other ; “ I shouldn’t mourn over 
that trash. We expected to find a heap of broken bones 
here. Master sent us to help you. He thought there was 
a woman in the balloon. ” 

“I had my wife’s scarf,” said the aeronaut, coolly. “I 
use it to signal with. I don’t think I need anything ex- 
cept a cart to carry off what is left of my balloon and take 
me along home. It’s a dear enough experiment I’ve had.” 

The fellows looked at each other, and laughed scorn- 
fully. 

“I wonder if we look like hunting up carts for every 
cast-away, Gottlieb,” said one. “Perhaps he’d like the 
coach itself. ” 

“You needn’t trouble yourself. I can trudge along and 
find one for myself, if you’d be good enough to tell mer 
where I am. ” 

“ You’re on the domains of the Count Schrodter, and it 
is his lordship in the coach yonder with his guest at din- 
ner, his royal highness, the prince,” answered the man, 
loftily, evidently expecting the humble listener to be over- 
whelmed by the near vicinity of such august grandeur. 

The aeronaut was, not so startled, however, as the cling- 
ing listener in the tree, whose sudden shiver set the leaves 
to rustling, which might have attracted attention thither, 
but that at the moment rang out a sharp voice from the 
other side of the hedge. 

“Blockheads ! caitiffs ! where are -you? Why don’t one 
of you come and report to me ? I told you to bring the 
woman out to the carriage. ” 

The lady, peering out from her high perch among the 
shrouding leaves, saw the fiushed, brutal faco that was 


m 


A SJZFm 

thrust between the hazel boughs, but to the group around 
the wreck it was invisible. 

The flunkies, however, speedily, dropped their pompous 
manner and both rushed back to the hedge, ejaculating 
together ; 

“There is no lady, your lordship. The man is alone, 
and he isn’t hurt at all, and the balloon is torn to pieces.” 

“No woman? why, I’d swear I saw a pale face, and a 
pretty one, over the edge of the car. Hd, ho, your high- 
ness, here’s a pretty go ! Which of us has lost the bet? If 
there’s no woman at all she can’t be old and ugly, nor 
young and pretty. It’s a dused shame to lose that club 
supper in such away. But. I’ve won on the man,; he’s 
alive and on his feet — the' better for him and for me, too.” 

And with a heartless laugh he turned and went hack to 
the coach. 

“ And that is your Count Schrodter, is it ?” queried the 
aeronaut, looking up -with an indignant flash of the eyes. 

“ Yes, sirrah, that is Count Sebastian Schrodter. ” 

“ He is a fine specimen of German nobility, a very fine 
specimen,” pursued the aeronaut. “It was quite an enter 
taihment, it seems, for him and his royal guest — like a 
horse-race or a rowing-match, and they had their chance 
for betting on the result, while my balloon was dropping 
down threatening to mangle and kill a fellow-being, and a 
countryman, and a lady also, according to their expecta- 
tions. It was a kindly thing for them to send to 'see if I 
was dead or alive — to settle the bet !” 

The stinging sarcasm of this speech was not wholly lost 
upon the Schrodter menials, dull and shallow as they 
were. 

“Humph!” muttered one, “you’re a stranger in these 
parts, or you’d know the Count Sebastian thinks no more 
of a peasant’s life than of a sick dog’s. Little enough he’d 
care if your skull had smashed with the balloon, he or the 
prince either.” 

And as he said the last word the lackey hurried after his 
comrade. 

The aeronaut waited until they had disappeared, and he 
heard the rolling wheels of the departing coach before he 
turned away his indignant eyes. 

“I wouldn’t mind about the count,” he muttered ; “the 
Schrodters had' an evil name always. But to think of the 
royal prince, he that is to be our king ; it’s hard to keep 
one’s loyalty to such rulers.” 

Then assuming a more cheerful look, he went back to 


168 


A SILVER BRAND. 


the tree and looked up to its leafy summit where his com- 
panion still clung. She was so deadly pale he exclaimed, 
hastily : 

“I will come up and help you down this minute. It has 
been a hard strain upon your strength to keep up there, I 
know. It would be hard enough for a rough man, let 
alone a delicate lady, that has been through as much as 
you to-day. ” 

“ What course are you intending to take?” she asked. 
“ I dare not venture down yet. I shall be recognized here. ” 

“ I meant to search for some cart to take us to my home. 
You might go in and rest at the first cottage we find.” 

“ No. I will not come down yet. There is too much 
risk attending any recognition. Not so much of my per- 
son as of the fact of your having a companion. You do 
not know, as I do, what a wide-spread investigation will be 
made as soon as my escape is made known. I will remain 
where I am. I can cling here an hour longer ; but once 
down I could never find my way back. And this retired 
field, screened as it is from the road, is the safest hiding- 
place for me until your cart arrives. Leave me and go in 
search of one. And if you can manage to do without a 
driver until you have secreted me under the balloon car, 
so much the safer and better. ” 

“Is there so much danger then?” he asked, wonderingly. 
“You must be a personage of great importance.” 

•“Not as much that, my kind friend, as that mine 
enemy sits in a high place. It is wrong for me to try and 
make light of the danger to you. And there is yet time 
for you to withdraw,” she added, in a sorrowful, pathetic 
tone. 

“ My lady, now you hurt me more cruelly than did the 
wanton indifference of that ruffian count. Withdraw, 
forsake you in your great need ? No, no, madam, not if it 
costs me my liberty, even my life,” answered, he fervently. 

“ May Heaven reward and bless you !” came sobbingly 
from out the leafy screen. “ I can do nothing now, but if 
the time comes that I am restored to my rights, you shall 
be richly rewarded for this magnanimous and chivalrous 
kindness. Go then ; delay no longer. I confess that my 
limbs tremble, and my strength is nearly exhausted.” 

“ Let me bring you up a flask of wine— it is fortunately 
shut tight in the drawer of the car— and then I will make 
haste to find a conveyance to take us away. It is a most 
fortunate circumstance that we landed in this retired spot. 


A SILVEH brand. 369 

or long ere this we should have found a gaping crowd 
around us.” 

And having revived her sinking strength with the wine, 
the generous-hearted aeronaut set out as swiftly as possible 
to find the desired conveyance. Following the road nearly 
a mile he came upon the grandly carved entrance gate of 
a magnificent avenue, which wound nearly half a mile up 
the rising ground to a stately mansion. 

“The Count Schrodter’s castle,” muttered he. “I shall 
take fine care to seek no assistance there. But in some of 
his humble tenantry I may surely find a compassionate 
heart.” 

It was with intense relief that after trudging another 
long distance he saw a cluster of cottage roofs nestling on 
the southern slope of a gently rising hill. 

. He walked up boldly to the first and knocked The rosy- 
faced woman who came to the door looked at him suspici- 
ously, and made him, for the first time, aware of his dis- 
ordered appearance, his scratched face, and torn clothing. 
He had not meant to refer to the balloon, but in the mo- 
mentary confusion, induced by her distrustful look, he 
stammered : 

“ I have met with an accident. My balloon collapsed and 
fell, and I have escaped mercifully with my life. Can you 
tell me if I can find a horse and cart of any sort to take 
me home ? Do any of . the good men about take, little jobs 
of the kind ?” 

Her fa'ce cleared promptly as she replied : 

“My lad is away up at the castle, but there's Jock over 
beyond. His beast is at home, and he’s an idle fellow as 
likes to earn his florins without hard work. I’ve a mind 
that he’ll take you.” 

Jock was found : a rollicking young fellow, who was 
prompt in his consent principally, the aeronaut suspected, 
from his desire for such close proximity to the balloon. It 
was with keen satisfaction that the bargainer discovered 
that Jock’s cart had a canvas covering. He saw the rather 
sorry looking animal secured to the cart, and mounted 
into the seat readily. 

“But,” said Jock, “it be a long stretch. I shall be 
hungry before I come back. Wait for me to eat my din- 
ner and supper in one. I’m powerful hungry, master.” 

A bright idea came to the other. 

“ Exactly. Take as much time as you please, Jock. We 
must come back on this road. I will go and fetch the bal- 
loon, and stop for you on my way. back.” 


170 


A i^ILVEH £BAJiD. 


And before Jock could gather his slow thoughts together 
his team had driven off, and left him standing with one 
fat hand in his pocket, staring after it ; the clinking silver 
coin in the pocket, which had iust found its way thither, 
reconciled him, however, and dispersed his momentary 
doubts. 

“Yon is an honest man, or he wouldn’t have paid me in 
the begipning. He will come back with my team, and I 
must hurry with the supper,” he muttered, and went 
shambling into his cottage. 

Yet it must be confessed that it was with intense relief 
to lingering misgivings that he heard the well-known 
rumble of the cart nearly an hour afterward. He hurried 
down to it, staring rather dubiously at the light car in the 
back, which was turned bottom upward, with the limp and 
torn silk thrown over it, raised unnecessarily high he 
thought. 

“That a balloon ! It looks like no balloon I ever see !” 
he declared, as he clambered to the seat. 

“ I should think not. Didn’t I tell you it was torn, and 
that all the gas escaped ? It must be whole and well in- 
flated to look like a balloon. Poor thing ! it has had a 
hard enough time,” the aeronaut answered, cheerily. 
“Now, then, Jock, I want your horse to do his best. It 
will be dark before we reach the town at the soonest, and 
my little fraulein will be alarmed.” 

The journey was long and tedious in the rough vehicle, 
but it was safely concluded, and the cunning aeronaut gave 
Jock another coin and sent him to a cake shop while he 
was taking out the remnants of his ruined pet at the neat 
door- way, wherein stood the bright-faced wife, wonflering 
at lier Carl’s slow movements. 

The bright eyes widened and deepened as he hastily 
helped out a slender figure in black, and hurried it into 
the door- way, from which she stood aside mechanically to 
give them room. 

“Shut the door, and take care of her, Crezence,” said 
her husband, in a peremptory tone that was another 
surprise. 

“Well, well, the saints only know what has happened 
to Carl,” she muttered, setting out a chair for her guest ; 
“ something terrible has happened, I’m sure ; I only hope 
he hasn’t lost his wits.” 

“Don’t be angry with him,” spoke up the sweet, silvery 
voice ; “ it is I who am to be blamed. And indeed I can’t 
blame you if you are angry.” 


A SILVmt BRAND. 


171 


And the mantle fell away from the pale face, and Lady 
Pauline looked up pitifully into the other happy rosy 
countenance. 

“ Holy Mother ! how could I forget !” ejaculated Carl’s 
tender-hearted little wife. “You are the beautiful' woman 
who called Carl to save you. Yes, yes, I know all about 
it now. And he’s done it. Now who’ll say he’s crazy, 
and idle, and wasteful, who’ll say it, I wonder ?” 

She stroked the delicate hands, and patted softly at the 
lady’s dress, and smiled and glowed over her husband’s 
name, and showed to Lady Pauline just the warm-hearted, 
fond, foolish little wife she was. 

But as her hands followed the black folds she started up. 

“Why, your dress is wet, draggled, and torn. And 
now I think of it, Carl looked strangely too. What has 
happened ?” 

At that mopient her husband entered. 

His first movement was to draw the curtains hastily, 
and then he caught her in his arms, and kissed her fondly. 

’ “My dear little fraulein, thou little knowest how near it 
came to ending thy Carl’s life this day. The Bird- of the 
Air has come home with her death-blow, and she had nearly 
given us ours. Are they right who call me a reckless vis- 
ionary ? All that money that might have decked thee out 
like thy friends, has vanished into air. . The balloon is 
ruined, Crezence.” 

“My poor Carl! biit you can earn soon the' wherewith 
to fit out another, and you shall have my gold necklace.” 

He caught her in his arms, with a proud and happy 
smile. 

“ And now, Crezence, you will look after the lady’s com- 
fort. Take her into the inner room, and make her comfort- 
able as thy skillful hands so well know how to do. And 
then come back, and I will tell thee the story, and thou 
shalt decide what course I shall take.” 

And Lady Pauline was led gently into a cozy little 
room, the best room in the house, evidently, and the damp 
dress was removed, and one of Crezence’s own white Sun- 
day gowns brought out. And then a cup of warm tea was 
given her. And when she insisted that there was nothing 
more to be done, the fraulein Crezence stole back to the 
common-room, and found her husband standing over the 
cradle of their sleeping boy with a grave, thoughtful face, 
and when at her step he turned, and making room for her 
bent down to kiss her rosy cheek, she saw his eyes were 
full of tears. 


172 A JSIZVm ZHAIW. ’ 

“Little happy heart,” he said ; “I would fain be careful 
for your sake how I move wrongly, though it is little I 
heed the jeers of those who laugh at the crazy aeronaut.” 

“What can you mean, Carl? You were not to blame 
about the balloon,” she began. 

He sat down in the chair, drawing her into his- lap. 

“Thou shalt say, Crezence, what I shall do in the mat- 
ter. I am going to tell you the lady’s story, and you shall 
be the judge. ” 

And then he told her, in simple language, the story 
which he had heard from Lady Pauline, and added thereto 
a description of the day’s adventures. 

The tears were raining softly down her face when he 
concluded. 

“Oh, Carl, dear Carl ! it seems as if Heaven sent you 
especially for her rescue. We cannot turn away from her 
now. Surely we can hide her safely, and though we are 
poor,” and here she paused and sighed. “ It will be such a 
grief to you to forbear attempting another balloon, but — 
but all we can save will suffice to make the difference, 
won’t it?” 

“ But the danger — the riskr” he said, gravely. 

“Do you think I am afraid of that? Who will dare 
harm you for protecting a persecuted lady like this ? I 
will take all the blame myself. ” 

How the bright eyes flashed yet brighter with their 
indignation and zealous resolution. 

“My little Crezence ! the brightest jewel a man has ever 
possessed,” cried the enraptured husband. “I knew that 
would be your answer. Yes, we will protect and help 
the lady.” 

He put his arm around her, and drew the. little rosy- 
faced woman into Pauline’s presence. 

“My lady,” he said, proudly, “the fraulein has decided 
as I told you she would.” 

“May Heaven bless you both !” faltered Lady Pauline. 
But since I know all your goodness and generosity it fright- 
ens n\e the more to know all the danger you will incur. 

. Let me have a disguise of some sort as speedily as possible, 
and where will you hide me from every eye, even your 
most trusted neighbors ?” 

“ I am thinking about that,” returned the wife. “Carl 
and I are clever enough to contrive a safe place. You 
know the little upper jhamber that is scarcely more than 
a closet ? There is only one door of entrance, and one 


A SJXVMi JiRAXDo 173 

would not look for a separate room in that odd corner. 
Don’t you see, Carl?” 

And she turned her bright sparkling face to her hus- 
band’s. 

“Not yet,” he answered, smiling at her eagerness. 

“Why, there is the queer old wardrobe that' lumbers up 
the attic. It will cover up the door entirely. You must 
nail it there as if it was made for the spot. ” 

“ And then how is my lady to get out, or you get in with 
her food, silly child ?” 

“ Can’t you make a sliding-door in the back of the ward- 
robe, and I will hang my clothing over it, and who will 
suspect?” 

“Admirable !” he exclaimed. “Well done, Crezence. I 
have the idea now. Give me my supper, and I will lose no 
time at settling about it.” 

“And I will get the room comfortable. Don’t be down- 
hearted, my lady ; we shall succeed finely.” 

And the rest of the evening was devoted to this purpose, 
and the aeronaut was just driving the last nail, while his 
wife and Lady Pauline stood near watching him, when 
there came a loud and imperious knock at the door below. 

All three started and turne dpale. Crezence hurried the 
lady through the sliding-door, and began covering the 
nails of the wardrobe with clothing, and removing as 
hastily as possible ’ all signs of his work, while her hus- 
band took the lamp, and slowly descended' the stairs, call- 
ing out as the summons echoed more noisily still : 

“Yes, yes, I am coming. One must have time to put on 
his shoes. Who is there in such haste, and what is the 
trouble that a peaceable man’s door is assailed with such 
violence ?” 

“Open — open, Carl Koeppel,” returned a gruff voice; 
“ do you keep people standing outside your door all night ?” 


CHAPTER XVII. 

THE UNKNOWN PROWLER.’ 

When, tired out with his restless wandering, and, ex- 
hausted by the wasting excitement and bitter grief of his 
thoughts, Nat, the taxidermist, sought his humble cabin 
at sundown of that day of vain searching and perplexity, 
he found some one there waiting— a dark figure crouched 
down against the door way. 


174 


A JSIZVm JBBAm. 


“ Stephano !” exclaimed he, eagerly. 

But the bowed head was lifted up, and showed him the 
ghastly face of Penelope Foss. Wretchedly indeed must 
the long day have passed with this woman to have left 
such marks upon her face. 

He hastened to open the door, and set her a chair. 

“ My dear Miss Foss, it is very unwise to give way to 
your grief in this way. For Lina’s sake, surely, you will 
forbear killing yourself. Eemember we have had as yet 
but a very short time for search. ” 

Penelope rose stiffly and dropped into a chair. He 
noticed now that she had a small bundle on her arm, and 
that another lay on the ground by the door. 

“Are you going away?” he asked, in keen surprise. 

“Yes,” returned she ; “ I am going to search for Lina. I 
will search the wide world till I find her. I will never 
stop, and never lose heart until I have found Lina. ” 

“This is very foolish,” said Nat, decisively. “I wonder 
that your family allowed such an entirely useless proceed- 
ing. You will do far better to go back and wait for the 
result of the detective’s investigation.” 

She looked at him earnestly. 

“Are you deceiving me? You told me that you wanted 
to snatch her away. Is not this the result of your plan ?” 

“ Would to Heaven it were 1” replied Nat. “ No, no, Miss 
Foss, I know nothing whatever about it. ” 

“Oh, do not cheat me,” implored she, mildly; “do not 
try to cheat me. For see, I come over to your side. They 
have turned me from their door. Theodosia flung her bit- 
ter anathema after me, and bade me never to seek to look 
upon her face again without I brought Lina back. If you 
have her hidden away take me to her, and I shall be happy ; 
it is all I ask. I will leave all the rest to you. Only take 
me to Lina !” 

“Would to Heaven it lay in my power,” returned Nat, 
deeply affected by her despairing anguish. “ I suffer my- 
self keenly with anxiety concerning the dear child.” 

“Do you think she has been killed?” asked Penelope, in 
a hollow voice. “ I heard them tell about finding blood in 
the boat. 

“No, no, do not fancy anything so horrible,” he an- 
swered, shuddering. “Believe me, whoever has taken her 
away will guard her health and safety jealously.” 

“ You believe it is some one who knows her history, I 
see that, ” said Penelope, drearily. “ Oh, my little Lina, 
how much grief and trouble have come to you out of that,’^ 


A 8IL VER BRAND. 


175 


“You need rest, and food, too, I presume,” said Nat, 
compassionately, and not without quiet tact. “ And I also 
am faint and weary. Would you mind making me a cup 
of tea. Miss Penelope ? I will soon have a fire kindled.” 

And without giving her opportunity to refuse he hurried 
his kindlings into the grate, and started a bright blaze 
under the tea-kettle. Half mechanically Penelope put 
down her bundle and came nearer the scene of operations. 

“You will find my hurnble ware in that closet, and a 
loaf of bread, and such simple accorApaniments as I can 
get easily. This little table will answer, won’t it?” he con- 
tinued, in such take-it-for-granted way that Penelope could 
not demur. 

So she set out the table, and made 'it ready in her 
woman’s neat fashion, and when the silvery steam came 
buzzing merrily from the tea-kettle, she made the tea. 
And then the two sat down, half conscious of the strange- 
ness of the position, and yet the sensitiveness blunted in 
both minds by the abstraction and anxiety concerning 
the mutually beloved one. 

Penelope drank her tea with feverish relish, but could 
not force food into her parched throat, and Nat, under- 
standing how it was, did not urge it upon her. When she 
had restored everything to order Penelope took up her 
bundle. 

“Where are you going. Miss Foss?” asked Nat, gently. 

“Anywhere and everywhere,” she returned, sorrow- 
fully, “until Lina is found.” 

“ But to-night, I mean. A woman cannot be wandering 
around at night. ” 

“I don’t know. I shall pay one of the fishermen to row 
me away.” 

“ Why not sleep to-night at White’s house ?” suggested 
he. “ I will go down there with you, and after that, if you 
will take my advice, you will go and stay quietly with 
Madame Peyron. The poor old lady, remember, has a still 
heavier loss than yours. You can be of much comfort to 
her and each can cheer the other and help keep up good 
courage and a hopeful heart. I hope you will abandon 
this wild scheme of going on the search yourself. I prom- 
ise solemnly to bring you word of the slightest clew we 

obtain.” ^ r 

“ You are kind, very kind, when my own km turn from 
me in anger and reviling,” she murmured, standing, with 
the bundle on her arm, like one dazed. 

“That Theodosia, is the dragon Lina has playfully 


176 


A SILV£:B 


named her,” said Nat, indignantly. “Don’t allow your- 
self to be troubled by anything she has srad or done. It is 
no wrong of yours, but much shame to her, Miss Penelope. 
Come, let me go down with you to White’s, and do you 
stay there quietly, and try to obtain rest and sleep, ” he 
added, coaxingly. 

Penelope passively yielded to his guidance. He saw her 
safely into White’s care, and managed to make them 
understand that she was not to be allowed to leave until 
he saw her again, and then once more returned to his lonely 
cabin, and thoroughly exhausted alike in mind and body, 
he threw himself upon the bed. Sleep, however, would 
not come. While he was lying motionless, and silent, 
with his mind intensely and nervously awake, there came 
to him the sound of a slow and cautious step without his 
door. Never stirring, but with every faculty alert, he 
listened, and made sure that a hand was on the door, 
softly and carefully trying the latch. Still he kept motion- 
less and silent. He was not sure whether he had slipped the 
bolt or not, when he came in, but fancied that it was still 
unfastened, for he had thrown himself on the bed, dressed, 
and intending to rise again shortly. 

The slow cautious opening of the door proved the cor- 
rectness of this conjecture. The bed on which he lay was 
in the little room whose door opened almost exactly oppo- 
site the outside one, and the former being wide open, and 
the moonlight pouring in, he was able to see distinctly. 

The first thought which occurred to him was that Pe- 
nelope Foss, restless and nervous with her fears, had come 
back to him for comfort. Then a glad hope throbbed at 
his heart. It might be Stephano come back to explain all. 
He did not lift his head, nor give the slightest indication 
of his wakefulness, not even when a dark figure stepped 
in with noiseless tread, and stood a moment listening for 
any sound of discovery. 

For what semed to his suspense an interminable age the 
intruder waited motionless, and so also did Nat. 

“I will not speak, even if it is Stephano,” thought the 
latter. “ I will learn the object of this midnight intru- 
sion. 

Cautiously, with a cat-like tread, the figure crossed the 
little room' and came on toward the bedroom, more cau- 
tiously still when evidently the reclining figure upon the 
bed was perceptible. 

Nat drew the long, regular breathing of sound slumber, 
yet through his half-closed eyes noted every movement. 




177 


He was still at a loss to know who the man could be. 
His face was in the shade, and a broad hat was thrust 
down low upon his forehead, hiding the features, had they 
been turned toward the light. 

Nat Wished that his trusty pistol had been a little nearer 
his own hand, but it was lying on the little stand beyond 
him. He was, however, between it and this unknown 
prowler, and made sure that he could spring up and seize 
his arm, if the man attempted to possess himself of the 
weapon. 

He seemed, however, to have no such intention. Like 
one familiar with the place, either by personal knowledge, 
or by some instruction of another, the figure crept stealth- 
ily to the corner where the taxidermist’s rough, common- 
looking and bulky writing-desk was resting. His hand 
passed around it slowly and carefully, the next instant it 
was raised and lifted* to the brawny shoulder, and the exit 
passage began in the same noiseless manner. Softly slid- 
ing from the bed Nat made a rush for the pistol, and then 
bounded into the middle of the room, shouting : * 

“ Hold ! there has been enough of this. Put that down 
and stand where you are, or you are a dead man. ” 

A fierce oath in a stifled voice was his only answer. Nat 
fired promptly, but the man dashed out and flung the door 
behind him. Seizing the rifle that always loaded leaned 
in that particular corner of the room, Nat tore after him, 
keeping him well in sight, but not gaining upon the little 
distance which divided them. Twice he raised the rifle to 
his shoulder, but lowered it, fearing to waste the shot 
which might be needed at a closer encounter, and which 
was scarcely likely to speed to its flying mark in the midst 
of that drooping shrubbery and the tall, encircling rocks. 

The clumsy writing-desk must have been an annoying 
impediment to the man’s. flight, but he held on to it reso- 
lutely, and he kept the advantage in distance which he had 
originally gained. But Nat, grating his teeth together, 
solaced himself, knowing that as he neared the water’s 
edge there would be fewer intervening objects to screen a 
mark from his trusty rifle. Did this last idea occur to the 
flying thief? He turned suddenly, darted in a zig-zag 
line, seemed to leap over a rock, and disappeared from 
view. Nat bounded forward and followed suit. He landed 
in a thick-matted growth of prickly thistle^. Below was 
another irregular ledge of high, jagged rocks, and between 
these the dark figure was swiftly darting. Seeing the 
great danger of losing sight of his crafty, unknown foe, 


178 


A Sizvm BRAND, 


Nat no loger hesitated, but raised his rifle, took deliberate 
aim, and pulled the trigger. His rage and chagrin were 
beyond bounds when the weapon "‘upon which he had al- 
ways prided himself missed fire. I think it would have 
cooled the fierce passions which seized him, even in that 
moment of intense excitement, to have known what he 
afterward discovered, that the rifle had been tampered 
with, and the caps removed. 

As it was, with a hoarse cry of rage he tore on. The 
fugitive also had his mishap. He had turned his head to 
see if his pursuer had leaped the rock, arid thus tearing 
forward his foot tripped or caught in some sprawling 
brier, and he fell to the ground. He was up in an instant, 
but the desk had tumbled from his shoulder, and picking 
that up and replacing it, wasted the time, whose seconds 
were every one of consequence. 

He seemed aware that Nat was gaining on him, and 
adopted another stratagem. He turned sharply, rushed 
up the high, craggy point, and prepared to leap from it, 
thus gainitig the clear beach, where probably some refuge 
awaited him. But Nat was alert, and stimulated by the 
change of fortune. He also had his foot on the crag when 
the leap was taken, and came down upon the prostrate 
figure before the other had extricated himself and gained 
his feet. 

Nat’s gun had fallen, and the writing-desk lay tumbled 
in the sand. Heeding neither the two men grappled, and 
rolled to and fro on the ground, panting, struggling, writh- 
ing, and twisting. It was an even match, for what Nat 
gained in dexterity and suppleness the other made up 
with his more powerful muscle and brute strength. But 
presently the unknown man, who had preserved an obsti- 
nate silencee had his knee upon Nat’s chest, and holding 
it there with all his strength, he managed to extricate one 
hand and thrust it into his pocket. 

Nat knew full well that the movement meant the dead- 
liest issue. In one thrilling instant there flashed before 
him the full consciousness of all the interests, the moment- 
ous secrets that would perish with his life. 

The review was maddening. He seemed endowed with 
new strength by the passion which filled him. With one 
sudden Herculean effort he threw off the knee that pinned 
him down, writhed desperately around, and clutched with 
furious hands at the throat of his antagonist. 

The long, cruel blade had already sprung from its 
sheath, but was broken short off by the change of pcsi^ 


A Slimn BUAND, 


179 


tion, which thrust it into the earth as its master’s arm 
was doubled under him. Nat heard the snap of the brittle 
metal, and gave one gasp of thanksgiving. The chances 
were even once more, for his own hand was wrenched 
away from the brawny throat. Another series of rolling, 
and twisting, and desperate struggles, but Nat’^ strength 
Svas failing fast, and the other seemed to understand it. 
What then was his intense relief to hear a hurrying step 
crunching the pebbly shore around the point. 

“Help ! help I” shouted Nat. 

Then for the first time he heard the other’s voice, and 
recognized it, for the man jerked out a sharp oath. 

“Ho! it is you. Jack Robinson,” panted Nat. “I can 
understand the grudge that makes you wilJing to kill me, 
but why you should want -that writing-desk is a mystery.” 

“The young man sent me for it,” quoth Robinson, sul- 
lenly, still holding his grip. “You’d better leave me to 
take it.” 

By this time the footsteps had sounded nearer and 
nearer, and a tall, dark figure looked down wonderingly 
upon them. 

“ Lina ! Lina 1” called a frightened wistful voice. 

“Penelope Foss!” exclaimed Nat, joyfully, “help me ! 
Take the box yonder, and hurry with it back to White’s, 
and send the man down to me. Fly — lose no time ! It is 
a desperate wretch lam struggling with.” 

She had evidence of this last, for the' infuri^itod Robin- 
son nearly strangled the last words in poor Nat’s throat, 
and the struggle was renewed again with redoubled fury. 

Trembling in every limb, Penelope took up the writing- 
desk, and went dashing away.' It was half an hour be- 
fore she could reach the cottage, from which she had stolen 
out at midnight, and rouse the sleeping men, and it was 
nearly an hour before she led them to the spot. No sound 
of struggle, of defeat, or victory came to them as the little 
party tramped breathlessly around the ledge. For a mo- 
ment they believed that both combatants had vanished. 
Then suddenly Penelope, with a horrified cry, sprang for- 
ward to a long and stirless figure stretched upon the sand. 

“ By Heaven we are too late !” cried White. “ It is Nat !” 

Yes, it was Nat, bruised, bloody, and cold as ice, lying 
there with closed e.ves and breathless lips. 

White looked around fiercely and his companions rushed 
to examine every possible spot of concealment, but with- 
out any discovery of the miscreant. 

Penelope ran for water, and begn chafing the chilly 


ISO A &7zrm BUANi), 

hands, while White knelt down and put his ear to the 
motionless breast. 

“He is not dead. There ^ is a flutter of the heart, I am 
sure. If we had a little spirits. Here, one of you run back 
and get some, and bring a lantern, too— we may want to 
look for the tracks. ” 

When the cordial and light arrived they were still at 
work over the senseless man, and were still positive that 
there was a feeble beating of the heart. 

Penelope, still chaflng at his wrist, suddenly dropped it 
as if she had been stricken by a blow. The bright gleam 
of the lantern had fallen upon it, and she saw plainly the 
mark — the dreaded, fatal mark that had become so ineffa- 
cibly imprinted on her memory. 

She sank down upon her knees staring wildly into the 
pallid face, then sprang forward, crying out, sharply : 

“You must save him. Send for a doctor somewhere. 
He must be saved at any cost. ” 

“Of course we will save him, marm, if it can be done,” 
returned White, rather resentfully. “We don’t need to be 
told of that. Come, men, let’s pick him up and carry him 
over to the house. The women folks can tell better than 
we what to do and we’ll send over to the shore for a doc- 
tor. It’s a mystery what’s going to happen next. But I’ll 
make it my business to hunt down the rascals that have 
made all this trouble for our peaceable island. I swear 
to that, right here over poor Nat !” 

And bearing the unresisting figure tenderly in their 
brawny arms, the little procession turned homeward, Pe- 
nelope following behind, scarcely able to realize that she 
was not walking in a dream from whose paralyzing horror 
she should shortly wake, and find herself in her peaceful 
chamber at Pock House, with Lina lying near in the placid 
sleep of innocence and health. 

She only spoke when they made a pause at White’s 
cottage. 

“Not here,” she remonstrated; “take him to his own 
home. To live or die, it will be better for him to waken 
there. ” 

“ But who will take care of him ?” queried White, dubi- 
ously. 

“I will,” returned Penelope, calmly; “I will not leave 
him while he needs care.” 

Accordingly the request was granted. They laid him 
gently upon his own bed, and administered what simple 
restoratives were at hand. The breathing grew stronger, 


A SIlV'Mi £JiAm. 18i 

tke pulse quickened, the warmth came back to the chilly 
limbs, whose bruises were pitiable to see, and drew more 
than one oath of vengeance from the warm-hearted men 
standing around him. But he did not open his eyes nor 
speak. 

When at length a physician made his appearance, which 
was not until after daybreak, he shook his head ominously. 

Penelope’s dry black eyes seemed to dive beneath his 
very look to obtain the truth. 

“What is it?” she whispered ; “life or death?” 

“Who can say?” answered the doctor, solemnly; “a 
very breath will swing the scales to the one side or the 
other. Either way he will need the closest attention and 
the most conscientious care. ” 

“He shall have it, never fear that,” returned Penelope, 
and the voice had in |t the solemn earnestness of a con- 
secration. 

And .well indeed she kept it. For three weeks Nat lay 
there unconscious, held, as it were from the very brim?: of 
the grave only by her devotion, and self-forgetful, never- 
wearying attentions. For three weeks also were the 
family at Eock House kept in wretched suspense and 
tribulation. No word,” no slightest hint of the missing 
maidens, the detectives nonplused, the fishermen almost 
superstitiously alarmed, and Nat lying helpless and un- 
conscious. The only circumstance that seemed to throw 
the slightest suspicion of light upon the mystery was the 
fact that Jack Robinson had not been seen by any of them 
since Nat’s injury. 


CHAPTER XVIII. 

“i’ll risk all the rest.” 

And meanwhile what was it that had happened to Lina 
and Serena? 

Lina had gone tripping down the path, her face spark- 
ling and dimpling with smiles, and had found her friend 
a'scending. Linking arms with girlish eagerness of affec- 
tion, they had returned to the boat, delighted at the rare 
privilege of a row together on the water. 

Stephano, in his hiding-place, was alike entertained and 
charmed by the pretty picture, and the vivacious talk ^s 
they played in the water, sending a shower of spray from 
their splashing hands as they leaned over the boat and 
dalliea with the waves. 


182 


A sizvFB mAm. 


Presently, however, Lina exclaimed, darting one of her 
humming-bird kisses at Serena’s lips : 

“ But what foolish lassies we are. When the dragon has 
relinquished his vigilance to be wasting the privilege 
lightly. She said I might go out in the boat with you. 
Take up your oars this minute, heedless Serena, and row 
me away — away. Let us play — that there is no limit to 
our freedom on this glorious night.” 

“ Glorious, indeed, dear. I am glad my arms are fresh, 
so that you can have your fill. But we must not go be- 
yond call. I would not do anything to add to Miss Foss’ 
dislike of me,” returned Serena. 

“ Poor Auntie Pen, she is not willingly hard upon me. 
Oh, Serena, how much I would give to be able to look into 
her mind and read all the hidden thoughts there. She was 
strangely agitated to-night. Her hand was as cold as ice 
when I touched it. What can it be that she and Mr. Nat 
will talk about ?” 

“Lina, for the principal subject, that much I can safely 
assert, ” answered Serena, “ but I would not fret about it 
now. Let us enjoy our boat ride. I think I can set the 
sail when we are out a little farther, and then we will talk 
at our ease. What a lovely night it is. "1 don’t think I 
shall ever forget to-night.” 

And Serena lifted her calm, soft eyes up to the moon 
and smiled softly. 

Lina was struck with one of those vivid impressions 
peculiar to her quick, sensitive nature. She twisted her 
little head around with what Nat called the genuine hum- 
ming-bird movement, and laughed lightly as she looked 
bver to her friend. 

“There’s a new look in your eyes, Serena, and anew 
sound in your voice. And it is something I know nothing 
about. Don’t go to being like all the rest, Serena. Don’t 
have your secrets also unless I can share them.” 

Serena’s heart gave a little conscious throb of self- 
rebuke. Why was it she would rather not tell Lina just 
yet about the eloquent young gentleman who had rowed 
her to the island ? By way of making amends for the 
secret treason she leaned forward and dropped a shower 
of tender kisses on the smooth cheek. 

“When I haye a genuine secret, Lina darling, you shall 
help me keep it. But I don’t think any such romantic 
change will come to my commonplace experience. But I 
confess I think it must be a very innocent affair to be 
trusted to such a chatter-box.” 


183 


A SILVER BRAND, 

Lina laughed merrily and defiantly. 

“I am not quite so silly as you think me. I have had 
my one wee secret that I have locked closely from every- 
body.” 

“ Excellent ! When you are ready to confide it to my 
faithful keeping I will listen with the most intense inter- 
est. How splendidly this breeze takes us along. I must 
not be tempted too far, for it will be another thing rowing 
against the wind.” 

“And I look far out and see what a broad stream of 
silver seems flowing out to the far-off lands beyond. Oh, 
Serena, if you and I in this little boat might sail out into 
it and follow, follow, how glorious it would be.” 

“ Ah, my pet, you forget that the ingulfing waves, and 
the stormy winds, and the pathless wastes lie there also, 
and that moonlight and 'gentle breezes do not remain 
always. ” 

But . I should like to try it, even though I knew the 
storms waited,” persisted Lina. 

“I think you will go some time ; let that content you, 
dear Lina. And tell me now what your aunt says, and 
why she is angry at our intimacy ?” 

“She is going to talk'with you herself when we return. 
Perhaps that is what she is saying to Nat. Oh, don’t 
take down the sail yet. Let us go a little farther,, dear 
Seren^.” . .... 

“But we aro some distance Cff now from shore,” an- 
swered the more prudent Serena. 

“ Just a little farther. I want to see the other side of the 
point, and watch the surf boiling up in the moonlight like 
fountains of pearl. See, there is a boat coming from 
shore. Some of the fisl\ermen I suppose. So you need not 
be afraid, for we can call to them, and they will row us 
ashore.” 

And, as usual, Lina’s coaxing voice gained her wishes. 

Meanwhile Stephano, from his hiding-place, had watched 
with wistful eyes as the boat' floated out into the dimpling 
diamond sparkle, and disappeared. A daring thought 
came to him. Why not take Nat’s boat and row out, hap- 
pily to meet them, possibly to speak with them ? 

He disengaged himself from the brambly bushes, and 
wet quietly along the beach toward Nat’s boat. But hear- 
ing voices in that half- whispered, suppressed tone that 
suggests an evil secret, he instinctively retreated into the 
shadows and stopped. 

“Go Q-long, Mike, the devil has certain sent us here in the 


184 


A SIZVm BBAND. 


nick of time. The girl is in that boat, and there isn’t a 
better chance of nabbing her, ” said one voice, eagerly. 

“But there are two of ’em. Jack, and gals will screech, 
and raise an awful row, and you say I mustn’t hurt ’em,” 
answered another voice more doubtfully. 

“You fool. I didn’t say you wasn’t to gag ’em. Just 
do as I tell you, and I’ll manage all the rest. Just you 
give her the card, and tell her somebody’s waiting out 
toward the cave. She’ll come, for I saw her looking at the 
card that day she dropped it, ajid I made sure it was some- 
body she’s mighty fond of. When we get them that far 
off. I’ll risk all the rest. You know women folks. They’ll 
sit as still as a mouse, if you scare ’em well with a knife 
or a pistol. I’ll be there waiting. Don’t waste the time 
now, but be off ” 

With this last word there came the grating sound of a 
boat pushed off, and then the short, swift oar-strokes 
followed. 

Scarcely taking in the full import of the plot, Stephano 
yet comprehended that the innocent maidens were to be 
molested and frightened. He waited for the remaining 
ruffian to pass him, but he turned and hurried off in the 
other direction. The pathway thus free for himself, 
Stephano proceeded at once to the mooring place of Nat’s 
boat, and growing more alarmed as he dwelt upon the cir- 
cumstances, he was too impatient to untie the knotted 
cable, but hastily severing it with his knife, he leaped in 
and pushed it off. 

Nat’s mooring place was on one side of the island, and 
the direction which Serena’s boat had taken was exactly on 
the opposite side. Stephano was thus compelled t^ follow 
the shore for some distance before he could even arrive in 
view of the scene. 

Serena had lowered the sail, and allowed the boat to 
drift slowly with the current. She sat with her arms 
wreathed lightly around Lina, who had nestled her rest- 
less little head in quietude for once against her friend’s 
shoulder. They were both lost in the dreamy, delicious, 
romantic influence of the acene and the hour. 

Lina broke it at last with a long-drawn, tremulous sigh. 

“ Oh, Serena, how beautiful this is, and how solemn. Do 
you know it almost seems to me as if my life here had 
broken up, and that I am drifting swiftly upon the un- 
known secret that has hitherto baffled me ? Do you know 
I seem to be assured that we are not going back to the 


A SILVEU BUAED, 


1S5 


island at all. That we are bound to our fairy castle at* 
last?” 

“ It is lovely,” echoed Serena, softly, ^‘and I myself have 
yielded a little to the seductive spell of the moonlight and 
the murmuring waves. It does seem pleasant to think of 
floating on in this sort of lotus-eater trance. . But it is 
very weak and very unwise to yield to such a mood. And 
so, my darling, I will make a desperate effort and break 
the spell. And you must not say me nay again, nor seek 
to coax me from turning the boat shoreward. ” 

“ If inexorable destiny were only as gentle in her firm- 
ness as you are, my best Serena, I should kiss her hands, 
and bow meekly. But when it comes in Aunt Theodosia’s 
fashion all my best blood bubbles up in rebellion,” re- 
turned Lina, rising obediently, and taking anotlier seat, 
while Serena took up her light oars. “How I wish I 
might help you. If only they would allow me to row, you 
should neyer work those oars alone,” she added, remorse- 
fully. 

“But look !” exclaimed Lina again. “That boat is com- 
ing toward us. And do you see there is another one coming 
around the western point ? .Do you think there is any- 
thing the matter on shore? or has Nat sent for us, alarmed 
at our long absence ?” 

“I am sure I cannot imagine, but we shall soon know, 
they haVe the' wind in their favor, and will soon be here,” 
answered Serena, still bending her strength to the oars. 

“There is only a single man in the first boat, and he is 
coming straight toward us. I should think if it was Nat 
he would call.” 

Their curiosity was speedily gratified. The approaching 
boat neared them, and pulling off his cap, the rower called : 

“ Young lady — Miss Lina, I be sent by a friend to ask 
you to come around toward those rocks yonder. Some 
one is waiting for you there.” 

“Some one who ?” demanded Lina, a little startled to 
find the speaker an entire stranger. 

“I don’t know much about it, but he give me a card, 
and said you would understand.” 

Saying which he reached over, taking hold of their boat 
to do it, and laid a card on the seat. 

Lina took it up, and held it in the flood of moonlight. 
She gave a little cry'of triumphant joy. 

“Aubrey Dalberg ! Oh, Serena, I must go. He was to 
find out for me the key to my secret.” 


186 


A SILVER RRAND. 


“Aubrey Dalberg !” repeated Serena, and there was a 
little shade of astonished recognition in her voice. 

“Do you know him?” queried Lina, turning upon her 
swiftly. 

“ I met a gentleman this afternoon. He rowed me to the 
island in my boat, and a card such as that dropped into 
the boat when he drew out his handkercheif. That is all I 
know,” answered Serena. 

“Was he young and handsome, and oh — so true and 
manly in his carriage ?” asked the eager, excited Lina. 

“Yes,” was Serena’s low reply. 

Lina clapped her hands joyfully. 

“ Did I not tell you that the monotonous calm had broken 
up, that my life was drifting toward my golden hopes ? It 
is he. Yes, yes, I must go. Shall I get into his boat, or 
will you row me there, Serena ?” 

“ I should rather see you safely back to the land, dear 
Lina. ” 

“Let me fasten your anchor in my boat, and I can tow 
you along,” volunteered the man, proceeding at once to 
put the proposition into execution. 

The t’vto girls sat silent, with arms twined about each 
other, while their boat was borne swiftly along, Lina 
trembling with joyous anticipation, thrilling in every nerve 
with delicious consciousness of coming triumph, Serena 
wondering at herself for the chill, dark shadow that 
seemed creeping over her, into her very heart. She 
scarcely knew why, but it was a relief to discover that the 
other boat had seemed to change its course as if to follow 
them. She did not allude to the fact, however, but she 
spdke abruptly and decisively when she discovered the 
course their own boat was taking. 

“ You are steering too far to the right. That is a danger- 
ous spot. It is where the surf beats ceaselessly, and there 
is an under-current that the fishermen say sucks a boat 
into the Witch’s Cave. Turn off to the left.” 

The rower either did not hear,, or did not choose to heed, 
but kept on his course. Serena sprang up promptly and 
took hold of the chain which connected her boat to his to 
draw back the anchor. 

“ I say that you are going too far to the right, and we are 
not willing to risk the danger,” she repeated. “I shall 
cut my boat adrift if you do no change your course*” 

The man paused a moment, and looked over to the reso- 
lute figure doubtfully. 


A SILVER BRAND, 


187 


‘‘ I know where my orders were to bring you, ” he mut- 
tered. “I know what I’m about, miss.” 

It doesn’t look like it, when you aim- directly for those 
breakers,” returned Serena, indignantly. 

“Don’t, Serena,” whispered Lina; “he wouldn’t send 
for me to come to a dangerous spot.” 

“I don’t think he would,” answered Serena, in the same 
tone, “ but I think he has chosen a suspicious messenger. 
I am glad I came with you myself. ” 

She sat down again as she finished, for he had evidently 
concluded it wise to' yield. The boat fell over a trifle 
toward the left. Serena turned her head, and again 
vaguely rejoiced to see the unknown boat following their 
track and gaining a little. She was thankful the rower 
did not observe it — why, jsjie could not explain. The dis^ 
quietude grew upon her. Every now and then she saw 
their guide lift his head and look expectantly toward the 
shore, and when she herself was aware of a boat pushing 
off right from the breakers it seemed. She shivered a 
little, -and sat chilled to the heart by a premonition of evil. 

Lina, however, laughed joyously, and murmured : 

“ To think the gallant knight has succeeded in his quest ! 
What will he tell me Oh, I wonder what he will tell 
me !” 

Poor child ! the solution was swift enough, and woefully 
unlike her brilliant anticipations. , , 

The boats neared each other swiftly, and, the moment 
they touched, the latest comer leaped into that where the 
girls waited expectantly. The rough, stout figure was 
little enough like the graceful proportions Lina had re- 
membered so admiringly. 

“ It is not Aubrey Dalberg !” she exclaimed, ruefully, 
turning to Serena. 

“He’s out yonder on shore,” answered the coarse voice ; 
“ just you come now quietly like peaceable girls and you’ll 
find him.” 

“If he is there, why did he not come himself ? Why 
does he send such singular messengers ?” asked Serena, 
coldly. 

“Oh, because— because— he don’t choose.” 

“Well, and we don’t choose to trust ourselves ashore. 
Lina, you will not go,” responded the dauntless Serena. 

There was a quick gesture exchanged between the men. 
The latest comer stepped forward yet farther, and drew 
out a pistol, pointing it tow’ard them menacingly. 

“See here now — we ain’t going to have any fuss, nor 


188 


A SILVER BRAND. 


any noise. The first one that maks a single cry will be 
shot dead. You know what that means, and you see I’m 
ready to do it.” 

Serena flung her arms around Lina, and the latter, 
trembling in every limb, clung to her, but neither ven- 
tured to speak. 

Meantime Mike had advanced toward them. His power- 
ful arms seized upon the nearest, and — hOw they scarcely 
knew — their arms were pinioned, and gags thrust ruth- 
lessly into their mouths. 

Serena had struggled, and desperately, but only man- 
aged to articulate a single sharp cry for help before she 
was rendered helpless. She twisted herself around, how- 
ever, and looked imploringly toward the boat that in re- 
sponse to her cry seemed fairly leaping across the water. 
Singularly enough the two ruffians failed to be aware of 
its approach until it was near enough for the owner to give 
one superhuman pull, and hurl it against theirs. 

How like a young warrior god looked the tall, graceful 
figure, that leaped forward, eyes blazing, arms uplifted 
threateningly to Serena’s eyes. 

“Villains! ruffians! what outrage is this ?” cried Ste- 
phano’s ringing voice. 

“ In Satan’s name, who are you ?” growled out Robin- 
son ; “ if you care anything about your life go back from 
this.” 

Stephano’s answer was to leap upon him and dash down 
the pistol, which fell over into the water as the boat keeled 
over on its side beneath the' weight of the struggling 
figures. Stephano fought like a young lion, but even 
while he seemed bearing down the burly form the other 
ruffian with uplifted oar came behind him. Oh, if Serena 
could have torn away the horrible gag that nearly 
strangled her ! She writhed and twisted vainly to give 
their gallant defender some warning of the menacing 
danger. All in vain. The oar crashed down and the 
noble figure dropped like a log, and lay stirless in the bot- 
tom of the boat. Robinson shook himself free with an 
angry oath. 

“ Blast him ! you served him a good turn. Mike, roll 
him back into his own boat, and push him off— the med- 
dling fool— and be lively about it. We’ve got to end this 
before the tide turns. ” 

Mike lifted the senseless figure, and dropped it into 
Nat’s boat again, but had scarcely accomplished the feat 
y^hen his leader declared ; 


A SILVER BRAND. 


189 


“No, no, that won’t do either. We can’t afford to leave 
any clew to our doings. Take him back and let the boat 
go. We must keep everything out of sight. I’ve got 
more than I bargained for, but I reckon the pay will come 
out of this pretty Miss Lina. I’m sorry, my dear, you 
didn’t meet the young gentleman you expected,” he added, 
jeeringly, “but I’ll try to be as polite and attentive.” 

Lina’s proud heart was writhing in humiliation and ' 
grief, even more than in terror. To what had she brought 
Serena, her kind, generous, loving friend. She turned her 
anguished eyes upon her, and met a steady glance of mute 
supplication lifted to the skies. 

“Ah, yes., for Serena’s sake Heaven will care for us, ” 
thought Lina, and was comforted. Bound in limb and 
gagged from speech, the two girls could make no resist- 
ance when they were lifted from the seat and dropped 
upon the floor of the boat. They could only watch with 
anxious, imploring eyes the movements of their abduc- 
tors. The reason for the change was soon explained. The 
two men stood up with the oars, and shoved the boat along 
slowly and carefully right into what seemed the very jaws 
of imminent danger, and as the white showers of surf 
pelted them it was quite apparent that neither of the girls 
could have sustained herself upon the seat. Kobinson was 
cool and skillful, and guided the boat between the jagged 
teeth of bristling rocks Until at length they were in a sort 
of shallow vortex which at high tide must have been ter- 
rific, since even now, at dead low water, it bolted and 
eddied menacingly. 

Lina shut her eyes, dizzied by the sight, but Serena’s 
calm, steady orbs watched closely every turn and change. 
Eobinson did not observe this ; indeed, the perilous way 
required his close and unswerving attention. He gave an 
exclamation of thanksgiving when they slipped into a 
cool, glassy basin almost as tranquil as a summer lake. 

“ Here we are ! Now then, Mike, hold steady and shove 
straight ahead,” he cried, stooping his head, and the next 
instant they glided into what seemed a black archway, 
and the moonlight was gone from them and they were 
floating in utter darkness, in some confined cavern against 
whose rocky sides they heard the water splashing drearily. 

“Light the torch, Mike,” commanded Eobinson. “We 
don’t have prying sunlight or moonlight in the Witch’s 
Cave. Be easy, pretty ones ; your journey’s half done by 
this time. ” 

The glaring torch showed them a rocky, arching roof 


190 


A SILVER BRAND, 


dripping with moisture and garlanded with damp vines of 
trailing moss. All one mass of solid rock looked the 
dreary walls to Stena’s watchful, scrutinizing eyes. But 
Eobinson knew better ; he pushed on steadily to a jutting 
column curiosly shaped by long beating waves into a re- 
semblance to some stately cathedral pillar. Here he 
fumbled a moment at a great iron ring hidden under the 
water, and in answer to some secret lever it swung away 
and revealed a narrow aperture, just wide enough to ad- 
mit the boat. The pillar returned to its socket, and the 
flickering torch played weirdly over the close, frowning 
wall and the shallow pool, as the boat was drawn up to a 
pair of stone steps at the foot of a door, set, it would 
seem, in a bank of earth. It required some little force to 
compel the rusty hinges to yield obedience to his touch, 
but Eobinson succeeded in opening the door, and when it 
was done he returned, and holding out his hand, said, 
gayly : 

“ Come, fair Lina, let me escost you to your castle.” 

Wretched Lina, how her bright anticipations rose up to 
mock her ! She did not stir an inch. 

“ I beg your pardon, ladies. Those pretty lips have had 
cruel treatment, sure enough. Let me take out the gag, 
and hear your pleasant voices. I am not afraid of your 
screams now. You might Are a cannon here and no sound 
betray to the upper world what had happened. 

As he spoke he removed the odious impediments. They 
were both faint and giddy, the throat parched, the tongue 
dry and swollen, and for a little time neither could speak. 
It was Serena who flrst addressed the triumphant villain. 

“Sir,” said she, coldly, but with dignity, “will you ex- 
plain to us the meaning of this high-handed act? You 
must know surely that the laws will punish you severely 
if you are detected, and do you think pur friends will be 
idle and passive under our loss ?” 

He snapped his finger idly. 

“So much for your friends, my dear. Do you think we 
didnH count the cost, and make preparations? Who will 
find the way here, do you think ? And this is only half of 
my castle. It is only at low tide that it is possible to get 
into the Witch’s Cave. Only with our permission can one 
get at all into the Devil’s Hut, and that’s where we are 
bound, my beauties.” 

“ Cruel, wicked man !” burst forth the impetuous Lina. 

“If man cannot come God will deliver us,” said Serena, 
solemnly, 


A SILVBB HBAKA 


101 


He only shrugged his shoulders, and said : 

“Come on then ; follow peaceably. You will see that it 
is much the best way for you. Hold the lantern, Mike,” 

Serena turned and looked down at the motionless form 
lying untended in the boat. 

“You will bring him, too,” she said, imploringly. 

“Curse him! why did he meddle with me? It is the 
best thing to tumble him over into the water and leave 
him there,” growled Robinson. “Come on, I say.” 

Serena sat down quietly upon the edge of the boat. 

“ I shall not go, not a single step, without you drag me, 
and that will not be easy in this rough ' place, unless you 
bring him also, where we can see if there is any life left 
in him. Nor will you go, Lina.” 

“There be, .Tack. I’ve se^h him breathing two or three 
times,” volunteered Mike, “but he don’t know nothing 
yet.” 

“The better for him,” growled Jack; “well, drag him 
along, Mike ; we’ll overhaul his pockets and see what we 
make of them. ” 

Mike lifted up their hapless knight, and then Serena 
rose calmly with a queen’s dignity. 

“ Go in front, ” she said ; “ so long as you carry him de- 
cently we will follow after you peaceably. ” 

“Hang it if I shouldn’t think she ought to be the grand 
lady,” muttered. Jack Robinson. “I wish we could have 
managed to leave her out of the scrape. But I can’t say 
that she don’t take my fancy. ' She’s a rare one now, 
that’s certain.” 

He took the lantern, and Mike, with insensible Stephano, 
went forward on the dark and narrow subterranean road, 
and the two girls, with cold hands holding fast to each 
other, and sinking hearts, followed. 


CHAPTER XIX. 

ON, carl’s track. 

In a stately palace chamber, with tall windows fretted 
with carvings, and shaded by costly folds of lace and 
damask, through whose unclosed casements stole the per- 
fume of a spacious garden below, mingled with the tink- 
ling rhythm of flowing fountains, at a table still littered 
with the costly appurtenances of a rich dessert, sat the 


m 


A SlLVSn JBBAm 


prince and his chosen boon companion, the unprincipled 
and graceless Sebastian, Count Schrodter. 

The silver stemmed, ruby globed glasses still sparkled 
with the foaming wine, filled again as fast as emptied, 
though they had taken the cigars, and the high room was 
already dimmed by the rising wreaths of smoke. 

“ It is as you say, my prince, ” laughed Count Schrodter ; 
“ the fashionable world will only understand a sensation 
when this comes to pass. I can picture the burning curi- 
osity of the women. The wrath of ^ome of the courtiers, 
even the queen’s surprise, and our own unbounded enter- 
tainment. Speed the fair voyager along, I say ! You 
have set your orders, I hope.” 

“Yes, and a trusty escort for the lovely bride. You 
ought to pay those debts of mine twice over, Schrodter, in 
return for such good luck played into your hands. ” 

“ I ought to keep the lady out of your sight, my prince ; 
you who are so susceptible to new faces and youthful 
charms, for fear you will break from the agreement. ” 

The prince shrugged his shoulders and tossed off another 
glass of wine. 

“ Never fear. I have a stronger preventive than you 
think. T have an old conquest to settle first.” 

And here he frowned a little, for between him and the 
rosy brim seemed to rise the pale, scornful, defiant face 
that had at last confronted him from the dreary roof-top 
of the solitary house in the Bavarian woods. 

“Yes,” he muttered, “I have a -victory to accomplish in 
another direction. Your successful betrothal, Sebastian, 
is a wheel within a wheel. Well, we shall see.” 

“Yes, I trust we shall. And if the reality is half as 
fair as the pictured semblance, faith ! I’m not sure but 
you may send the next rascal of a Jew, who dares to be 
importunate with a royal prince, to nly coffers for settle- 
ment. ” 

“Agreed ! Let us drink to the fair American’s safe and 
speedy arrival. ” 

At that moment there came a hasty summons at the 
door without, and in a few moments a page appeared, 
bowing low in obsequious humiliation as he said : 

“Your royal highness will pardon me for disobeying 
orders. The man waiting without to see your highness 
will not take a refusal. He says he has a matter of great 
importance to lay before your highness.” 

“Confound his importance. I said I would not be dis- 
turbed,” retorted the prince, angrily. 


A SILVER BRAND. 193 

“ I told him so, your highness, but he insisted that you 
would be more angry at the delay of the message than at 
any interruption. He bade me tell you he was one of your 
highness’ servants, his name was Seippei, and he came 
from the forest way.” 

The prince sat down his wine glass so suddenly that the 
clear musical ring of the glass sounded through the whole 
room, while he cried, sharply ; 

“ Show him into the inner anteroom. I will be there at 
once, ” and he rose up promptly. 

“Make yourself contented in my absence, Sebastian. 
The man has evidently something of importance to tell 
me. Nothing indeed from that source can be trivial.” 

“ Humph !” nodded the cdunt, as the door closed and left 
him alone ; “it belongs to the wheel within a wheel, one 
can read that, and so no doubt there is a lady in the 
question.” 

The prince strode forward to the anteroom and opened 
the door upon a trembling, cowering figure. Poor timid 
spirited Seippei could hardly hold himself from falling in 
a quivering heap upon the fioor, such utter terror had pos- 
session of him at the very thought of speaking his evil 
tidings before that darkening face. 

“Well, idiot, out with your news,” exclaimed the prince, 
hoarsely, reading in . that ashy, terror-stricken face the 
magnitude of the news the cowering lips trembled to 
speak. “ She has killed herself I suppose ; strange in- 
domitable spirit that dwelt within that frail temple. I 
think the sweeping out of the life of half mankind could 
not affect or startle me so. And yet I might have expected 
it. I might have expected it !” 

These last sentences were uttered disjointedly to him- 
self, and not with a thought of the listener. Strange as 
it might be this princely ruffian’s passion during these 
long bootless years for that fearless, defiant, scornful 
woman so completely in his power, and >et so securely 
intrenched beyond his reach, was the one true, sincere and 
earnest sentiment of his nature. Others, younger and 
fairer were but the playthings of an idle hour, a frivolous 
day, but her he loved, cruelly enough, but for all that 
loved sincerely. 

And now his knees shook, and his voice broke, as he re- 
peated with whitening lips : 

“ She has killed herself, then ?” 

Seippei wrung his hands wildly. 


194 


A SILVER BRAND. 


“ Indeed, indeed, your highness, I cannot tell. She has 
flown to the heavens surely.” 

The prince looked out through the high arched window 
up where there was a sweep of blue sky. 

Did the realization of the great gulf that lies between 
the good and pure and the vile and sinful, even here on 
earth, sweep over him ? 

How she would look up with that far-piercing eye into 
the heavens I Yes, she was there ! safe at last out of his 
clutches. What matter to the prince now whether Sebas- 
tian Schrodter received a bride or not ? 

Shivering he said in a strangely humble tone : 

“ Tell me about it, Seippel !” 

“ If I only could, your highness,” groaned Seippel, “ but 
there is so little to tell. She was sad, very sad. And she 
asked my wife to pray for her. And she went herself 
upon the roof and knelt down. We heard a part of her 
prayer before we went below. It was strange and wild. 
She asked for the earth to open and shake her prison 
down, or for the sky to send a messenger to take her up 
into its safety and rest. We went below, and we heard 
nothing, we saw naught. An hour afterward Lisbet went 
up, and found the roof door closed and fastened. She 
called my lady again and again, but there was no answer. 
She came down shaking with fear. 

“ ‘There is something terrible happened I’ said she. ‘Go 
and try if she will answer you. ’ 

“ And I went, and called, and it was only stillness like 
the grave. Then I said she was asleep, or she had fainted. 
I called Hans, and we took axes and broke open the door 
after much labor.” 

He paused to wipe his clammy forehead. 

“Well,” gasped the prince, shutting one hand tight and 
hard against his breast. “Well, you found; ” 

“ Nothing, your royal highness — nothing at all. There 
was no sign or trace of my lady. The roof was empty.” 

A quick reaction came over the prince. The ruddy hue 
rushed back to his ashy cheek. He drew one flerce breath. 

“Fool !” he vociferated. “She was hiding below some- 
where. It was a trick to escape. By Heaven, if she has 
succeeded your son’s paltry life will not be enough to sat- 
isfy my rage. ” 

“Nay, nay, your highness, how should it be ? The doors 
below were all fastened as usual, and we were there watch- 
ing and waiting. She escaped, if she escaped at all by 
mortal means, from the roof. And that you know is al- 


A SILVER BRAW. 


195 


most an impossibility for the strongest man. Then had 
she reached the ground she had yet to find her way from 
out the locked gates of the high fence, and through the 
long forest paths. And there was no trace — no single 
trace, your highness,” repeated Seippel, mournfully. 

Again the prince wavered, and his face blanched, 

“ How do you explain it, you and your wife ?” he asked. 

Seippel gathered courage, perceiving the deep emotion 
on his master’s usually pitiless face. 

“We know not. But, oh 1 your highness, her prayer was 
something thrilling. It might almost have moved the 
stones. We almost think” — and here Seippel looked 
heavenward — “that our lady wrought a miracle espe- 
cially for her sake. She talked with the sky so much what 
wonder if some cloud floated down to bear her away ?” 

The prince dropped heavily into his chair, and passed 
his hand to and fro along his troubled forehead. 

“Such superstitions are wOak, childish,” he muttered, 
uneasily, and then he turned again to ask in something 
like his old, imperious manner : 

“ And when did this happen — what was the hour ?” 

“Yesterday, your highness, toward noon.” 

“And you have made sure she is nowhere hidden?” 

“We have. Our fear and alarm might well help us to 
sift over every nook and corner. She is not there, your 
highness. ” 

“ Well, well } I will not vent any anger upon you now 
until I have investigated all. I shall come to-morrow. 
Go tell the knaves in yonder to give you a flagon of wine, 
and meat, if you wish it. I can see that this business has 
shaken you sorely, I will believe that you are without 
blame in the matter until I have other proof.” 

“I thank your highness most humbly for this grace,” an- 
swered Seippel, scarcely able to credit his good fortune in 
escaping with a whole skin and a head on his shoulders, 
and he made all haste to retreat before the mild humor 
vanished. 

As for the prince, he went slowly back where the count 
was still smoking and drinking. The latter looked at him 
curiously and exclaimed : 

“ What calamity has overtaken you, my prince ?” 

He hastened to fill up his glass with wine, which the 
prince swallowed as if it choked him. 

“Schrodter,” said he, “are the days of miracles gone 
by ? Could a delicate woman escape from the roof of a 
solitary house three stories from the ground, and in the 


196 


A SILVER BRAm>. 


midst of a desolate wood ? Tell me would it be possible ?” 

“ That depends upon the assistance she had. If there 
were somebody below with a wire ladder, or if she was 
secure from all espionage, I do not feel sure such an 
escape need to be miraculous.” 

“ The man believes it. I read it on his face. He de- 
voutly believes that the heavens opened a way for her. 
She was securely guarded from retreat below, and had she 
reached the ground was still barred in by high walls and 
locked gates. Yet she is gone, and there is no trace.” 

“I’faith,” responded Sebastian Schrodter, coolly, while 
he knocked off the ashes from his fifth cigar ; “I’faith I 
should rather risk a purse on her being carried off by an 
eagle or — why, our friend’s balloon, yesterday.”. 

The hand of the prince came down upon the table with 
a force that shook everything on it. 

“By my father’s scepter, Schrodter, you have hit it !” he 
cried, springing up, all his face aflame with joyful relief. 
“I could swear this minute that is the way of it. Do 
you remember the pale face we were certain we saw ? 
Dolts ! idiots 1 they have allowed him to carry her off over 
their very heads. A miracle, indeed I Ho, there 1 Send 
in the man again ; the man Soippel. ” 

But wise Seippel had taken himself away. The prince 
flung anathemas after him and called in his confidential 
agent. 

That day there went forth a secret decree which set the 
royal spies upon the watch over every aeronaut within 
fifty miles and more. 

Carl Koeppel heard from it soon enough. The visitor to 
whom that evening of his exciting adventure he had 
opened with so much secret misgiving and alarm had 
proved to be one of his neighbors, a curious, meddlesome 
fellow who was no favorite of his. But he served him a 
good turn all unmeaningly, for the second evening he re- 
turned again and opened his budget of news. This time 
the worthy couple were in readiness for visitors. They 
were sitting quietly tosrether, Crezence at her needle-work 
with her foot on the cradle, singing her soft lullaby to the 
heavy little eyes and ears there, and Carl busy over his 
torn silk, for he was already eager and earnest to repair 
the balloon. 

“Well, fraulein, a good even to you. You’ll be thinking 
I’m a good neighbor, I’m sure, to come again to-night. 
But I was in hopes to hear something about your trip the 
other day, Koeppel. I’m mightily interested in that bal- 


A SILVEB BBAKD, 


197 


loon of yours, and so it seems are some other folks. 
There’s two strangers in town asking all about you. I 
heard ’em questioning old Max over at the beer saloon, 
and they are there now.” 

“Asking about me ?” questioned Carl, in as cool a tone as 
he could command. “ And pray what do they know about 
me ?” 

“Faith that’s more than I can tell. But I guess it is 
nothing more than because you understand balloons. The 
men were mighty inquisitive though, and wanted to know 
how lately had you made an ascent, and if your balloon 
was in good order.” 

Crezence had stopped singing, and her face was averted, 
but her needlfe flew very swiftly. 

“Some folks are always inquiring into such things just 
for curiosity’s sake,” commented Carl, lightly. “How- 
ever, I am ready to answer their questions. Let’s All our 
pipes and go out and see what’s going on.” 

Carl rose as he spoke, and proffered his tobacco box, 
and then took up his hat. His visitor could not very well 
decline, but it was plain that he was in no hurry to take 
leave. 

“I shouldn’t wonder a mite if they were here in the 
course of ten or fifteen minutes,” he ventured at length. 
“ They were asking where you lived. ” 

“If we meet them it may save them some trouble. 
Wouldn’t it be a fine thing, fraulein, if they came to hire 
me to make an ascension at some fete ? Thou shouldst 
have a new shawl straight way,” laughed Carl, in appa- 
rently the most unconcerned manner. 

“But the balloon is hurt, isn’t it?” queried the other, 
eying askance the torn rag of silk lying on the floor in the 
heap the aeronaut had left it= 

“What, that? Oh, that’s the old covering. Don’t you 
know I’m getting ready a grand new one, and have a great 
improvement underway? That’s why I’ve been taking 
such frequent trips. They are only experiments to test 
my new method.” 

“ Oh, I suppose so. I’m no better than a child about 
understanding such queer affairs. The solid ground seems 
the best journeying road for me. I want neither air nor 
sky. The ground is plenty good enough for me.” 

Carl joined his laugh, and opened the door, and the in- 
quisitive neighbor was perforce compelled to accompany 
him. Crezence waited until she heard the little gate close 
after them, Then she rushed to her humble little pantry, 


198 


A SILVER BRAIID. 


heaped all the food she could find into a basket, seized a 
great jug, and filled it full of water, and hastened without 
any light to guide her up to the old wardrobe in the attic. 
Lady Pauline came at the loV, imploring call, and helped 
slide open the rack of the wardrobe. 

“Hasten to take these in, and let me hurry back,” cried 
Crezence. “The police are on poor Carl’s track. They 
are coming to inquire about his balloon ascension. It may 
be we shall not be able to see you for several days, for I 
am sure we shall be watched closely, if not taken away to 
prison. If you hear me sing gayly you will know there is 
imminent danger, and that you must keep utterly quiet. 

I will use a mournful tune to give you assurance of con- 
tinued hope and safety. ” 

The poor little woman’s voice was full of terror, not for 
herself, but for her husband. The heart-smitten fugitive 
heard it. 

“Alas !” she cried, “ it is more bitter than my own danger 
to think of the loss and trouble that may come to you. 
Let me escape into the street, and trust to Heaven’s pro- 
tection.” 

“No, no,” returned Crezence, firmly, recalled to her 
own brave, generous spirit. “ I counted the cost before. 
It is only our duty that we do. Pray be patient and as 
hopeful as may be; Adieu ! Eemember to listen for my 
singing. I may make its words all my method of com- 
munication with you. ” 

And she ran back to her post, and was sitting rocking 
the cradle and singing at the top of her voice, as if not a 
care in the world rested upon her spirit, when the dreaded 
summons came to call her to the door. 

She felt her heart throbbing wildly, but she hardly stop- 
ped her song, and tripped lightly to open the door, drop- 
ping a low courtesy, as she met the glance of two strangers. 

“Does one Carl Koeppel, an aeronaut, live here?” asked 
the foremost man. 

“ He does, sir. Will you be pleased to walk in. He has 
gone out with a comrade, hut he Will be home shortly.” 

The two men exchanged glances. 

“I must go along,” said the one in the rear. 

“And I will come in and wait,” quoth the other. 

Crezence tripped hack and set a chair for him, then re- 
turned to her cradle and her work. The man watched the 
beaming, apparently artless face in close scrutiny for a 
moment or two, and then asked i 


A SILVER BRAND. 


199 


“Do you think we could hire your husband’s balloon for 
to-n^orrow morning early ?” 

“ To-morrow — oh, no 1 And what a pity I He is taking 
it all to pieces to make a new improvement. Wouldn’t 
you be able to wait until he could get it done? It’s so sel-’ 
dom, alas ! he has a chance to make any money by it. 
Oh, please wait if you can.” 

“I’m sorry it isn’t in order. Do you mean that he met 
with an accident with it ?” 

“No great accident. I know the old silk ripped and 
tore,” returned she, serenely, poising her needle in mid- 
air, and looking straight into his face. 

“An innocent little goose,” thought the detective. “I 
could soon find everything out, if there was any mischief. 
I begin to doubt if this is the man after all. ” 

And then he asked in the blandest voiced: 

“ Your husband takes frequent flights in his balloon, 
doesn’t he ? I should think you would be afraid he would 
fly away from you some time with another woman. Was 
there ever a lady went up or came down with him ?” 

Crezence’s merry laugh rung out gleefully. 

“ Me jealous of Carl I Oh, sir, if you knew us you would 
see how absurd it looks ! And I don’t believe he could 
tempt a lady into such a dangerous, giddy place, any ex- 
cept me. I went with him once, but my heart was in my 
mouth. Good Saints ! how would he make room in the car 
for a lady ? it is such a small affair !” 

“And when was he up the last time? was it long since?” 

She dropped her head on one side, and held up the 
plump pink tipped fingers to count upon. 

“ Let me think, was it yesterday, or the day before, or 
the day before that ? I can’t be sure — it was one or the 
other, and then he went last week, and the week before 
that, and twice the week of baby’s birthday festival.” 

And then she dropped her work and started up. 

“ There he comes. I hear his step. ” 

And running to the door to meet him she seized Carl’s 
hand, giving it a. warning pressure, while she ran on 
glibly: 

“ Oh, Carl, here’s a gentleman come to hire your bal- 
loon. And to think you have just taken it to pieces to re- 
model. Can’t you fix it back again so he can take it? it 
would be comforting to have the balloon earn something 
at last.” 

“ I will try, certainly, ” answered Carl, quickly taking 
the cue ; “ but it is terribly out of kilter. Good-evening 


200 


A SIZVHB ZJiAm). 


sir. Do you want it for an exhibition or a /efe, and how 
soon ?” 

‘ ‘ I only came to make inquiries about it for another, ” 
returned the man, completely nonplused by this entirely 
unsuspicious behavior. “But I’m very much interested 
in balloons just now. ” 

“ I’ll fix it up as soon as I can, if you will make it worth 
while. I’ve been altering and experimenting a long time 
back. There’s room for new invention and discovery, I 
confess.” 

“You were out two days ago, your wife admits. What 
route did you take ? where did you land ? I wonder if it 
was your balloon I heard about plunging down so madly 
into one of the fields belonging to the Schrodter domain ? 
There are two or three people who saw the man. ” 

“Likely as not. I’m not familiar with the great people 
or their estates, and shouldn’t know whose fields I tres- 
passed on, unless some one came to inform me. But about 
my balloon, did you wish to try a trip in it?” 

“I shouldn’t mind, I confess.” 

“And are you in a hurry?” questioned Carl, with all the 
eagerness of an enthusiast and expert. “I could get ready 
in two days by working a little at night, if you make it 
worth my while. I’m a poor man, you know, and can’t 
afford to throw away my money.” 

“I can put it in your way to make a snug little sum,” 
said the man as eagerly, and turning upon him abruptly. 
“ Find me that lady who was taken out of the Forest 
House by a balloon, and three hundred fiorins shall be. 
yours at once. You know what I mean. There is no use 
in trying to counterfeit amazement. While I have been 
sitting here my man without has signaled the arrival of a 
courier dispatched to find the boy who brought back your 
balloon the other night. He has proved you to be the man 
we seek. His signal tells me that. Choose quickly, my 
man, between this comfortable little competence or ruin 
and a prison. ” 

Carl’s eye fiashed proudly as he replied : 

“ Your words are very strange. I have nothing to say 
about a lady, nothing whatever.” 

“Your choice, sir, between a well filled purse and a 
prison. Understand that the demand is made by no 
humble or insignificant person. The hand that offers gold 
or iron bars has the ability to perform,” repeated the 
other, sternly, going to the door as he finished, and giving 
three raps upon it, which was immediately answered by 


A SILVER BRAKD, 


201 


the entrance of three stout men, , who nodded, and stood 
back waiting further orders. 

Crezence, all the pretty pride paled away from her 
cheeks, sprang to her husband’s side. 

“ What does the man mean, Carl ? How can any one, 
however high in rank and powerful in name, give an inno- 
cent man to a prison ? What can they accuse you of? It 
is an idle speech spoken to frighten us. ” 

“The house must be searched promptly,” spoke the 
leader, waving his hand authoritatively. “I must send 
back a message concerning the matter to-night. Go, leave 
no cranny that could hide the person even of a child un- 
sifted.” 

The three men went quietly but resolutely to their w'ork. 
Carl half believed his little Crezence crazed, when she 
flung open the doors for them, saying, scornfully : 

“ If that is all we are soon rid of trouble. Search ! Much 
will you And to warrant this insolent invasion of an inno- 
cent household.” 

And she began to sing a gay song whose ringing chorus 
floated up through the open door-way, and warned the pale 
prisoner in the little secret chamber to be on her guard, 
and remain silent as though her very life depended upon 
the stillness there. 

Carl drew his wife toward him and whispered : 

“ They will find her retreat. Credence. I have thought 
of a desperate plan of escape, if you will be a brave little 
woman and manage for me. If only they leave us here 
to-night I will escape with her, and you shall follow me as 
soon as may be to America.” 


CHAPTER XX. 

“ MY SON I MY SON I” 

That night which followed the test of the silver brand 
was" a wakeful and troubled one for all the principal per- 
sonages at Schwarzenberg. And for none more than for 
Aubrey Dalberg, whose perturbation of spirit would 
scarcely allow him to rest in one position or locality more 
than a few moments at a time. His experience, at this 
charming and romantic spot, had been dreamy and unreal 
enough before, but now it seemed as if everything tangible 
and positive floated away, and left him swinging dizzy 


202 


A BILYER Bn Am. 


and bewildered, without anything to hold by either in the 
past or present. The longer he dwelt upon certain mys- 
terious ways and looks that came up vividly now from out 
the experience of his boyish days the more positive did his 
suspicions grow. And his impetuous young spirit chafed 
restlessly at the barriers that surrounded him, and at the 
broad distance of land and sea that separated him from 
those who could, who must, he assured himself, answer 
his questions truthfully. 

Wonderful, indeed, seemed the chance which had 
brought him to this place, a Providence rather than a 
chance, he believed it. He understood well enough now 
that it was because of his similarity to his brother, in 
height and look, that Eoderich had selected him out of the 
limited number of Americans bound homeward, and yet it 
was none the less a Providence that he, Aubrey, should 
have been lingering in Germany at all. He recalled again 
,the enthusiastic admiration, the proud appreciation which 
had stirred his heart with such unusual emotion when he 
first approached Schwarzenberg. Had it really been but 
the natural response of a Heaven implanted instinct ? Had 
he a right here in these grand old walls? Were the an- 
cestral honors a part of his rightful heritage ? 

A restless longing came over him to visit again the gal- 
lery where the dead and gone ancestors of the stately 
house lived still in pictured semblance. He had thrown 
himself upon the couch without removing his clothes. He 
rose softly, turned the key of his door, and opened it noise- 
lessly, looking out into the broad corridor which was 
dimly lighted by the starbeams shining through the great 
arched window at the end, with a vague impression of awe 
and hope. There was no harm surely in his walking 
softly to try the gallery door. No one was ever there in 
the daytime, much more could he be sure of its solitude at 
this dead hour of midnight. He returned, took in his 
hand the coil of wax taper lying on the table, and set forth 
upon the venture. 

The weird, grotesque shadows from the quaint carvings 
mottled the floor with uncanny figures, but they gave no 
echo to his careful steps. 

Once a trailing banner, falling from the spear of a sculp- 
tured knight who guarded an arched opening in the wall, 
touched his shoulder lightly, and made him start nerv- 
ously. 

The silken fragment had gone forth in a century past, 
proudly and triumphantly to battle. The duet of silent 


A SILVEH BBAND, 203 

years had gathered upon it now, but it was still full of 
suggestive eloquence. 

Had it thrilled to life to drop a ghostly touch claiming 
him as a scion of the proud old line ? Aubrey walked on 
with less of the air of a thief and intruder. The gallery 
door was not fastened Something in the fine thrill of 
nervous expectancy that tingled throughout his whole 
frame had already assured him that it would not be. 

He pushed it open, and walked into the blackness there 
unhesitatingly. Then bethinking himself of possible in- 
trusion, he went back and closed it, and lighting the taper, 
which shed but a feeble gleam in the long dark gallery, he 
began at the' door, and went slowly and deliberately from 
picture to picture, studying the lineaments of each with 
careful scrutiny, but all the while conscious of the subtle, 
magnetic attraction that was drawing him toward the other 
end of the long and silent row. 

His eye deepened and dilated, his heart beat faster, his 
breath caught little convulsive gasps as he neared at 
length the vailed portraits. It almost seemed like lifting 
a coffin lid when his trembling fingers seized the black 
cloth and fiung up the curtain. 

The last baron, the true eldest son, and Lady F auline, 
his wife. Hapless couple, whose brilliant prospects had 
been cut off in such, untimely and woeful fashion. 

Wistfully, imploringly Aubrey’s eyes sought those that 
looked forth from the canvas with such wonderful intel- 
ligence and life-like power. Oh, for the power to call 
back speech and vitality I He sighed heavily. Did an- 
other sigh seem to answer, fioating past him like a ghostly 
breath ? 

He turned his head quickly. Something was near him. 

He knew it — he felt it. But where and what? He 
looked around him, and saw nothing but the dickering 
light from his taper playing along the double row of gilded 
frames and canvas faces. The carved groins of the elab- 
orate ceiling rose silently above him, the mosaic fioor 
shone clear and empty around him. He stood there alone, 
the only living creature amid all the pictured life, the 
only animate thing with power to move and stir. 

Nay, even while he gazed and rubbed his eyes as if to 
disperse an illusion of vision, the great, gilded frame of the 
pictured knight opposite him stirred. 

Good heavens ! frame and picture both moved forward 
—seemed to advance toward him. A cold current of aiy 
extinguished the tiny fiame of his taper. 


204 


A SILVEU BHAm, 


Involuntarily Aubrey fell back, while a cold dew gath 
ered on his forehead. 

Something distinct, taking visible form, glided forth. 

There was still light enough for him to see that it had a 
woman’s shape. 

It went on either unmindful or uncaring for his pres- 
ence, and stretching out a long and shadowy arm, seemed 
to touch the pictures one by one, until it came to that of 
the lovely and hapless Lady Pauline. 

Ther e it stopped and bent forward, and the hands were 
outstretched, he thought, in benediction or in anathema. 
Again a long, low, fluttering sigh floated by him weirdly, 
but with it came also a sharp click — too matter-of fact a 
sound to accompany a ghost — and a rustle of papers fol- 
lowed, and, after that, unmistakably th^ low-breathed 
ejaculation : 

“Safe ! now may Heaven be praised !” 

At this all his awe and superstitious dread fell away, 
arid reckless of consequences, he determined to behold the 
face of the midnight visitor. 

He held the coil of taper in his hand, he struck a match 
quickly and lighted it steadily, and then turned to con- 
front a flgure standing like something suddenly petrified, 
with clasped hands, and white face, and wild, imploring 
eyes that ran over his features with a singular blending of 
alarm and astonishment. 

“Who are you that intrude here !” demanded Aubrey, in 
a whisper, mindful of his own need to avoid disturbing 
the house ; “and where have you come from? I thought 
at first it was a ghost — the Lady Pauline’s ghost !” 

The white, shivering lips made many efforts before an 
audible speech came from them. 

“ And you — tell me your name that you stand before me 
with the very look and bearing of one who has long since 
left the earth and these stately walls. You are not — you 
cannot be Valentin Baer’s son, and wear on your lips the 
very smile of his wronged kinsman. ” 

“No; I am not the Baron Baer’s son, whoever else I 
may be. I am a guest in this house, or a prisoner— it 
•matters little which you may call me. But I am no Baer, 
and just now I have little liking for the name or the in- 
dividual.” 

“A prisoner,” repeated the lady. “Then— then you are 
not in the favor of the ruler of the guards here ?” 

“You mean Von Schubert. No, I am not on his side— 


A 8IZV£!B BRAND, 


205 


neither on one side or the other. I am an American 
citizen.” 

The thin, white hands were clasped together joyfully. 

' “ An American, and bearing the resemblance that would 

bid me trust him, even if he were in the enemy’s rank? 
Surely, surely this is another of the wonderful ways in 
which Heaven befriends at last the long suffering and 
wronged one. Tell me, oh, as you hope for help in your 
own need, tell me truly, will you help a poor, persecuted, 
cruelly wronged woman ?” 

“I would indeed if it lay in my power,” answered 
Aubrey, some answering chord in his heart thrilling back 
to that sweet,' sad voice, those mournful eyes. “ But as I 
say I am myself inshared here, although I have the 
promise of a clear way to depart to-morrow. ” 

“ To depart ! — to go where ?” 

“To America; would to Heaven I could reach it in a 
single stride,” he returned, impetuously. 

“ And would that you might take me with you to my 
child, my precious one,” she murmured, the lips writhing, 
but no t^rs flooding the glittering eyes. 

“You have friends there?” he asked, in surprise. 

“ My all is there, fny own, my Lina. ” 

“Lina?” exclaimed Aubrey, in unbounded amazement. 
“ And is she a young girl with eyes like stars, and with a 
strange mark upon her wrist ? Is it possible I have found 
for her the mother she has longed for ?” 

“ You know, my child, and I And you here !” ejaculated 
the stranger, in equal agitation and surprise. “But I 
must not linger here. I dare not — every moment of delay 
is fraught with deadly peril to myself and to a generous 
soul waiting for me. You have seen so much that even if 
your face did not give me faith in you I should have 
no alternative but to trust you. Come with me into 
the secret passage, I beseech you, where, at least, is a little 
less danger than here, and swear to me once more that 
you are in neither the Baer or the Von Schubert interest, 
or what is more deadly still, in the royal favor.” 

“I am an American, or at least I have always believed 
myself such. I have been educated and reared in America. 
I was traveling in Germany and was entrapped and de- 
tained here that one of these Baers might escape under my 
name and passport,” returned Aubrey, with a little of his 
indignation at the remembrance still visible in his tone. 

“(Come,” whispered she, and led him gently on through 


m 


A SILVER BRAND. 


a secret door formed by the swinging open of the whole 
panel against which the portrait hung. 

It closed after them noiselessly. Aubrey’s taper showed 
him a narrow corridor, walled on either side, cobweb 
hung and damp with mold. Every short distance there 
was a short flight of descending steps. He noticed a 
burned match tracking the pathway, and looked again 
wonderingly into that face which he now perceived held 
marks still of extraordinary beauty. 

“Yes,” she said, in that careful undertone, “I came 
alone, with only the faint flicker of a match to guide me, 
a path I have not trodden for nearly twenty years. Oh, 
the change — the change I Little did he guess, my Arnold, 
when he led my playful steps through the secret passage, 
way whose existence was so carefully concealed in what 
sort strait it would serve me. Ah, to think, to think how 
gayly I tripped over these damp stones, dreaming nothing 
of the horrors and woes that were coming. And how ten- 
derly he supported my steps, and how proudly assured me 
that I shared a knowledge that only the Schwarzenberg 
barons learned when they came into possession ^of their 
rights here. Alas, alas ! is it a terrible dream, all the 
horrors that have fllled up these terrible years ? Shall I 
wake, indeed, and And him with me again ? You are so 
like him— so like him !” 

“So like whom, madam? I pray you explain to me 
what you mean, and who you are before I go with you 
any further.” 

“ I am Lady Pauline, the wronged Baroness of Schwar- 
zenberg, and you are like my murdered husband, Arnold, 
baron and lord of this fair isle and its surroundings. ” 

“They told me you were dead,” ejaculated Aubrey, in 
profound astonishment. “ I am sure that the Baron Val- 
entin believes you dead.” 

“ I know he does, and all the world besides. I have been 
buried all these years, hidden away, my child torn from 
me. Oh, my sufferings and my wrongs are too great to 
be credible to Christian ears ! And yet it is Heaven’s 
truth I tell you. I have escaped his power, once, twice, 
as by a very miracle, and even now his hirelings watch on 
all sides. But I have risked everything to come hither, 
and I have secured the treasure hidden here for so many 
years. And I have found you. Surely I need not fear to 
trust the rest to Heaven’s mercy, although danger waits 
me behind, and before, and encompasses me on every side- 


A SILVEB BHAND, 


207 


So, I will not fear, ” she cried, speaking in low but earnest 
and agitated accents. 

“I am like your husband,” repeated Aubrey, his 
thoughts following the personal interest. Ah, madam, 
will it help you to explain for me the doubt and perplexity 
that overwhelms me ?” 

“Let us reach the lower corridor, and you shall hear all 
that I can tell. I must take counsel with the generous 
man who has risked not only his own life, but the comfort 
and security of his wife and child, to help me,” she whis- 
pered back. 

Aubrey fell into silence,- following after her swift, un- 
faltering steps as she threaded the doubtful way in front 
of him. 

They reached at length after a long passage through the 
dark, close avenue, a round, circular room, not much 
larger, indeed, than an ordinary closet. A man started 
up from the stone seat there, and turned a startled face 
upon Aubrey. 

“ Do not be alarmed. I have found another friend. I 
have found one who knows my child. Tell me, I beseech 
you, about her ? ' How she looked, what she said ?” spoke 
the Lady Pauline, and turned her eager eyes upon Aubrey. 

“ But, dear lady, ” interposed Carl, for it was he, “ do 
you forget that imminent danger threatens us ? Do you 
forget that the night whose moments are so precious in 
helping us near the port is passing swiftly?” 

She wrung her hands in dismay. 

“Should, I, too, pass this providential opportunity of 
hearing about my daughter ? It is too cruel to lose it. ” 

“Your life is more precious, and the opportunity to reach 
America and see her yourself. Our plan is a desperate 
one at its best,” he returned. “Heaven only knows what 
will become of us if our escape is discovered before morn- 
ing. I pray you to think of all that is at stake. ” 

“ But he is going home ; he is going to America and will 
see her. I may never reach it. I want him to take her 
my message, to warn her against Sebastian Schrodter, to 
tell her of the frightful fate that menaces her.” 

“Let her tell me, and I will make my way to her daugh- 
ter though I find her surrounded by a cordon of dragons !” 
exclaimed Aubrey, eagerly. 

“Yes, let me tell him my whole story, that, should the 
worst come to me, my daughter may know the truth,” im- 
plored Lady Pauline. 

And in a low, faint, yet sternly controlled voice she re- 


208 A 8ILVEB BRAND, 

lated everything to him, from' the first to the very last 
escape. 

Aubrey was profoundly moved. 

“ Who knows but you have been yet further deceived ?” 
he cried. 

“I will force Dr. Mentz to speak plainly. Tell me, was 
Dr. Mentz with you at your daugther’s birth ?” 

“He was,” she answered, wonderingly. 

“And you have already told me how like I am to your 
husband, the baron. Look at this !” 

He bared his wrist, held it up to the flaring light of the 
fast consuming taper coil, and looked into her face with 
wistful, inquiring eyes. 

She stood a moment as if dizzy with all this excitement 
pressing her hand against her forehead, then fell into a 
great flood of tears, and cast herself into Aubrey’s arms. 

“My son! my own! my Arnold’s living, breathing 
image !” she cried, incoherently, between her sobs. 

Aubrey held her close. 

“My heart answers you. I feel sure you are right. But 
tell me how it can be ?” 

“I was insensible to everything that transpired. Alas ! 
alas ! I was so helpless, so despairing, so broken-hearted at 
my husband’s terrible fate, and so enco^^npassed by treach- 
erous friends, and crafty enemies, what marvel that they 
deceived me in every way ? When I recovered from the 
fever that so nearly took my life, I was told that my 
twin children were dead at birth. It did not seem strange 
after all I have endured. I received it for truth. I never 
questioned it until my captor, a brief time ago revealed to 
me, for the sake of an additional torture that my daugh- 
ter lived. It gave me new life to attempt escape, new 
desire to live. What must it be now that I have my son, 
noble, brave, and worthy, as I am sure, clasped here in 
my arms? We must surely escape now.” 

“Yes,” cried Aubrey, “we will escape. You have a pro- 
tector at least. Tell me what were your plans?” 

“ To get to the nearest port, find our way to an Ameri- 
can ship, and appeal to the captain’s sympathy,” returned 
the fpronaut. “You see we build all our hopes on America.” 

“Heaven bless her!” said Aubrey, a soft dew coming 
into his eyes. “ I have been educated as her son. I can 
never forswear my love, even if my allegiance must be 
transferred. But with such a powerful enemy I fear such 
a plan will prove weak and unavailing. How much I 
would give for a little longer time for reflection.” 


209 


A SILVER BRAND, 

“We have money enough,” said Carl Koeppel, gravely. 

It was a blessing indeed that the Jew took those dia- 
monds. If you think it best I can return to my home. 
It may be her escape will be more readily made without 
me. ” 

“But that will be returning into the jaws of the lion,” 
said Lady Pauline, anxiously. “ I cannot have your life 
endangered any further, my generous friend.” 

* If you could remain here in this secret chamber even 
for to-morrow,” returned Aubrey. “I am promised a safe 
passage for myself. Might I not obtain the same for you 2” 

“It might be feasible for a strong man like me, but for a 
delicate lady, who has already undergone so much — if 
even there were a few comforts here — it would scarcely be 
practicable,” objected .Carl. 

“It is safe at least. I do not believe a single one of the 
new inmates are aware of this passage. The thick cob- 
webs at the entrance showed it had been unvisited for 
years, and I know how jealously the secret was guarded. 
My husband took great care to conceal our visit even from 
the servants. There is one old man, a trusty creature, 
who loved Arnold far better than his own life. He alone 
was initiated. He went with us at the time, and Arnold 
told me that his father had held the ^same trust. His name 
was Wirt Womberg. If duly he were here.” 

Aubrey clasped her hand joyfully. 

“ He is. A melancholy old man who told me when I 
came how the Schwarzenberg glories had degenerated. 
He is here, and trusted, I am sure, by the Von Schubert 
party, as well as the baron’s family, for he guards my 
own door. You are sure that he knows of this retreat ?” 

“Yes, both of the outer and inner entrance. You may 
trust him with my story fearlessly,” answered Lady 
Pauline. 

“ Then I am sure it is best for you to remain. He shall 
manage to get you supplies both of food and bedding. I 
will go back now and wake him up. I am pretty sure that 
he sleeps in the little room behind mine. At all events I 
will find him. The baron will yield to any demand of 
mine. And keep good hearts. I think your escape shall 
be safely managed yet. ” 

“And then we will hasten to find your sister,” cried 
Lady Pauline, kissing his hand fondly. 

“ My sister. The beautiful Lina, whose knight I promise. 


m 


A SILVER BRAND. 


to be — my sister !” whispered Aubrey’s heart, sinking with 
a keen pang of dismay and regret. 

But to her he answered reassuringly ; 

“Yes, we will find Lina.” 


CHAPTEE XXL 

FEARS SET AT REST. 

The short, subterranean passage, through which the 
frightened maidens followed Eobinson’s lead and Ste- 
phano’s insensible figure, was evidently excavated by arti- 
ficial means, but the long walled way into which it led 
was simply a natural gully, the old bed by which some 
rushing body of water in other times had found its way to 
the sea. Great rocks piled up on either side as com- 
pletely screened any passers through this natural road as 
if it had been roofed , but it was a relief for them to see 
the sky once more and Serena looked up thither, an earn- 
est petition for help in her beautiful eyes, and a calm, 
trusted smile on her lips. Lina looked at her wistfully 
and with a sort of awe as at some superior being, but 
clung the more closely to her arm. 

Then came another short excavation, all traces of which 
were evidently carefully concealed, and next they emerged 
through a rude door-way into the cellar of some house. 
Not a word was spoken until the whole party had mounted 
the stairs and arrived in a small, barren-looking, but 
decently furnished room. 

Mike dropped his burden with a muttered anathema, 
and Eobinson exclaimed, jubilantly : 

“ Well, here we are at last. So far so good, Mike.” 

And turning with a mocking bow, he said, gayly : 

“Welcome to the Haunted Castle, young women. Any- 
thing I can do to serve you only name it.” 

“I would like a glass of water,” said Serena, calmly, 
while Lina stamped her foot angrily and dashed off the 
fiood of tears that poured over her cheeks. 

“You hear, Mike? There’s plenty in the barrel. If we 
had only been sure of ladies’ company we would have had 
it iced.” 

Mike shuffled into the inner room and came out with a 
tin dipper filled with water. Serena took it from him and 
went hastily to the prostrate figure on the floor, and kneel- 
ing down by it, began to drop the water carefully unon 


A SILVER BRAND, 


211 


the pale lips. Then she wetted her handkerchef and wiped 
away the blood that stained the . broad forehead and 
matted the fair hair, 

Robinson did not interfere. He was closing the heavy- 
wooden shutters and barring them. This done he pro- 
duced two lamps and lighting them once more illuminated 
the room from which he had just shut out the moonlight. 

He turned about once and glanced at his prisoners, and 
said to Mike in a low voice : 

“It is as well they have something to take up their minds 
and keep them from making a fuss and noise. I reckon 
that chap is beyond much help. But it’s no harm for them 
to try. We must go around and finish up our business 
here. Lock the doors both ways and come out and help 
me while they are quiet. ” 

The moment that Lina perceived they were alone she 
flung her arms around Serena. 

“ Oh, Serena, Serena, what shall we do ? What shall we 
do ? Even if we escape from this house we cannot find our 
way back. I cannot imagine where we are. Oh, Serena, 
how can you look so calm.” 

“ Because there is nothing else for us now but to do the 
best we can,” answered Serena, gently disengaging herself 
and returning to her attempts to revive the insensible 
man. “Dear Lina, how can you forget your friend’s need. 
Help me chafe these cold hands. One would think you 
had not cared to meet this Aubrey Dalberg. ” 

“Aubrey Dalberg !— that is not my Aubrey Dalberg, 
Serena,” returned Lina, in indignation. 

Serena lifted her bowed head to look a moment inquir- 
ingly into her face, then dropped it again, a faint color 
stealing into her cheeks. 

“ Well, he is good and noble, and he came to our defense, 
and has nearly if not quite lost his life by it. We must 
not let him die. ” 

Even while she spoke the pale eyelids fluttered away, 
and the bright, frank eyes she had secretly admired that 
afternoon looked up into hers. 

“ I am not dead,” he murmured ; “nor do I believe I am 
dangerously hurt. I came to my senses while somebody 
was bringing me along, but could not remember anything. 
It has all come back now. Where are the men ?” 

“Gone out, and we are locked into a room in some 
strange house. Oh, can you help us ?” cried Lina, bending 
down over him tearfully. 


212 


A SIZVJEii JBHAKBs 


He smiled very feebly and turned his eyes again to 
Serena’s calm and saintly face. 

“Hardly yet, I fear ; but while I have been gasping for 
breath I have been thinking. They must not know I have 
revived. Let them think me still helpless and insensible. 
And who knows what opportunity may come ?” 

He tried to lift his head while he was speaking, but 
turned deadly pale again, and shut his eyes. 

“Not yet,” whispered Serena, hastily moistening his 
lips, and then wiping his forehead with the wet hand- 
kerchief. “ If we only had some wine to give you or re- 
storative of any sort. Try the water again. ” 

“Thank you. Don’t distress yourself. Let me lie 
quietly and I shall come out right,” he whispered, after a 
moment’s rest. 

Serena's soft fingers drew away the curling wet hair, 
and wiped again the slowly oozing blood from the gaping 
wound, which she examined with steady eyes, while Lina 
shrank back, sick and giddy at the sight. 

“No, it is not a dangerous wound. I can see that it is 
not,” she said. “And since you have revived, with your 
mind unharmed, I am confident that the worst is past. 
It is the weakness from the loss of blood, and the effects 
of that stunning blow that trouble you now.” 

“Yes, I am sure of it. Let me still feign insensibility 
when those men are near, until I have my strength back 
again. Oh ! for my pistols, or Nat’s trusty rifie !” he ex- 
claimed, with more spirit than he had yet exhibited. 

“Hush !” whispered Serena. “They are coming back.” 

It was Robinson’s rough hand which turned the key, 
and his odious voice which jerked out an oath because the 
rusty lock refused to yield at the first effort. But he as- 
sumed a poor air of gallantry as he turned to them. 

“Well, my fair ladies, I have been faithfully at work in 
your service. Every door and window is safely barred 
from attack without, as well as escape within. I have 
made a little room in readiness for you.” 

“ Why have you taken us away in this strange fashion ?” 
asked Serena. “ What have I done to provoke such ill 
will on your part?” 

“Bless your pretty eyes ! nothing, nothing at all,” an- 
swered the man, carelessly. “And if you behave civilly 
there sha’n’t any harm come to you. Now make your- 
selves happy and contented, and I promise you it will all 
come out right.” 


A SILVER BRAND. 213 

“But why do you refuse us our liberty?” questioned 
Lina, indignantly. 

“It is all on your account, my dear. Who can see the 
chance to make a nice little pile slip straight through 
their fingers, especially when their locker is pretty low. 
Don’t you know your own value, you pretty little hum- 
ming bird? Don’t you know there’s them as will give 
their hundreds and their thousands of dollars to get you ?” 

“No, I do not; lam sure I do not,” answered Lina. 
“They are very careful of my safety, but they are not rich 
— none of the Fosses are rich — and how then can they give 
the money ?” 

Robinson snapped his fingers lightly. 

“ Oh, blarney I Do ' I mean to squeeze a stone ! The 
Fosses are the ones to pull the string, but there’s some- 
body behind. I found that out by the letter I stole — a 
letter that was going to that innocent Mr. Nathaniel, the 
hermit. A pretty hermit ! It is he that means to make 
the money ; but he’ll find I’ve forestalled him. Come now, 
just tell me who the great man is in Germany, and the 
quicker I get his answer the quicker you’ll be set at 
liberty. ” 

“ The great man’s name in Germany !” repeated Lina, 
and then burst into an angry, bitter laugh, as she turned 
upon him with fiashing eyes. “You have miscalculated if 
you think to obtain any information from me. I am in 
utter ignorance of everything. I am the last, the very 
last, to whom you should look for knowledge. ” 

“Is that true, young woman? You needn’t think you 
can cheat me, or stop me in this thing. I know that 
money will be paid freely to get you back. And, that 
money I mean to have, or my wits will give out. ” 

Lina lifted up her hand with a passionate gesture. 

“I tell you in the sight of Heaven, I know nothing, not 
even my rightful name or rank. ” 

Another eye besides Jack’s watched her face. Stephano, 
through his half closed eyelids, saw every ingenuous shade 
of expression there. 

“Well, that is queer,” said Jack, evidently convinced of 
the truth of the assertion. “ However there’s more than 
one way to skin a cat. That Nat knows, and his papers 
tell. I know where he keeps them. ” 

“Do you naean to keep us here until you hear from Ger- 
many ?” asked Serena. “ That will be a long time. And 
as a starved heiress would hardly bring a very magnificent 


214 


A SILVER BRaM, 


reward, I presume you mean to provide her with food. 
Surely you will find the experiment a costly one. ” 

“But I shall have back my pay for it all,” quoth Jack, 
confidently. 

“ But you have not yet explained why I am also de- 
barred from my liberty,” said Serena, calmly. 

“I faith, because you were rowing the other one. Be- 
sides I knew you would keep her more contented. Where 
a fellow expects a big reward he needn’t consider trifling 
expenses. ” 

“And you really think to hide us from the search of our 
friends, and to secure yourself from the punishment the 
law gives for such a lawless proceeding?” proceeded 
Serena. “Rash man, for your own safety’s sake you had 
better send us ba«k while yet it is possible and go your 
own way in peace. We will promise tq remain silent.” 

Robinson laughed lightly. 

“I am not easily scared. Who do you think will for a 
moment venture to this spot ? You know how the fisher- 
men shun the place. The Witch’s Cave and Haunted 
House are little troubled by visitors. They have too bad 
a reputation. Besides I have not left a trace to betray 
anything. If they land below through the surf, which is 
something not often done, and get up the steep walls, then 
we have but to move you into the secret passage-way from 
the cellar, and what wiser are they ?” 

“It is a daring plot,” said Serena, gravely. 

“I amused to daring and reckless things,” answered 
he ; “ but come, these are your quarters for some time to 
come. I advise you to make the best of them. You will 
see, when you examine for yourself, that it is no use to 
hatch up any plans for escape. The place has been fitted 
up for such use, and it was strong at first, built for a sort 
of light-house, you may have heard. I say one man could 
guard a dozen others shut in here, and it’s no use for you 
to think of getting away till we are ready for you to go. ” 

“Well, I should think we might understand it,” broke 
in Lina, pettishly. 

“ I hope you do. What I want, is for you to be con- 
tented, and not go to pining. You’re too precious, you 
know, to be lost by sickness, or anything of that sort. 
There’s a bedroom for you — that door there. You may 
go into it when you please, and there’s a bolt on the door 
inside, and Mike won’t be disrespectful. Now I say that 
ought to content you.” 

“It is far better than my fears foretold,” exclaimed 


A SILVEU BRAND. 


215 


Serena. “ Lina, dear, we will try to reconcile ourselves to 
the circumstances. My worst fears are quieted. We 
shall not be molested, only confined here to await the ran- 
som he expects for you.” 

“Now that’s a sensible girl!” cried Robinson, admir- 
ingly ; “ just take her advice, my little heiress, and you 
may have a nice little time here. ” 

“And this gentleman,” said Serena, suddenly. “This 
noble innocent man who came to rescue two unknown 
women in their trouble, what is to be done with him ?” 

“Confound his interference,” growled Jack. “I wish 
bad enough that he had kept away. Is he dead yet ?” 

“No,” answered Serena, gently ; “and if you want to 
save your soul froni the dreadful remorse such a crime 
must bring to it, one time or another, you will let me 
nurse him back to life, however long' it may take. He 
will be likely to have a brain-fever, will be helpless and 
unconscious many days, but perhaps his life may be 
spared.” 

Robinson stood in silence for a few moments, looking 
down upon the motionless figure in uncertainty and per- 
plexity. 

“ It’s a cursed pity he meddled. It’s a chap that was 
getting birds stuffed at that Nat’s. I wonder if there’ll be 
a hue and cry over him, too ?” 

“ Let me take care of him. You will never be sorry for 
it,” persuaded Serena. . ' ' 

He looked up at the clear, innocent, steady eyes and 
smiled. 

“You’re a brave girl, and a good one. I’ll give you 
' credit for that. Yes, you shall have your way about it. 
Mike shall bring a cot-bed in here, and there’s a few fix- 
ings in the closet. You’re welcome to anything you find. 
There’s an old medicine chest that came out of the 
schooner somewhere in the closet. ” 

And then he shuffled off out of the room, drawing his 
sleeve across his eye while he muttered : 

“What in the world ails me? There’s something about 
her that makes me think of my little sister that went 
among the angels, if ever anybody did. It won’t do for 
me to let her talk to me much. She’ll coax everything 
out of me. And she makes me feel as if — as if — there 
wasn’t a spot in my soul clean enough for her to touch her 
white finger-tip to. Blast it ! what a soft old fool I am. 
I’d rather she’d spit and fire up like a young kitten, as the 
t’other one does. What in the world should set me to 


216 


A SILVER BRAND, 


thinking of little Molly to-night ? Little Molly, as hugged 
my neck so tight, and said, ‘You’re a coming, too. Jack ; 
you’re a coming some time, too,’ and dropped back dead. 
It’s them great blue eyes of hers. They’ve got just the 
innocent look in ’em that Molly’s had. I’ll let them have 
the key inside. I will, so if they can’t get out, Mike 
sha’n’t be able to get in either while I’m gone. When I 
once get this money I’ll wash my hands of all this dirty 
work — I will. I swear I will, for little Molly’s sake. How 
long it is since I’ve thought of her. By George ! she 
wouldn’t know the great, black, rough villain I’ve grown 
into !” 

And he sighed drearily, and then snapped out to Mike, 
who was building a fire in the hearth of what seemed to 
be the kitchen of the house. 

“Look alive there, man, isn’t the fire built yet? When 
it is ask the young lady if she would like a cup of tea. ” 

All unconscious of the singular softening of Jack’s 
wicked heart through her influence, Serena turned to 
Lina as he closed the door, and shed her first tear as she 
clasped her in her arms. 

“ Lina, dear Lina, Heaven be praised that we are safe 
from the indignities I dreaded. We shall be safe, and 
treated respectfully. I have no concern about it now. 
The man is only thinking about the money he will obtain 
as a ransom, and that very money will only be secured 
through your safety. My worst fears are set at rest.” 

Lina returned her kisses with redoubled fondness. 

“ Then I will try to be patient and cheerful. You know 
how many times I have said I would welcome any change. 
I ought not perhaps to complain of this, but one thing is 
evident, there is no delusion about my expectations. You 
see even this ruffian seems to understand it. He wants 
the name of a great man in Germany. Serena, dear 
Serena, do you think I shall ever find it out for myself ?” 

“Let us hope so, dear,” returned Serena. “Will you 
look into the other room and see what sort of a place it is ? 
And I must search for the medicine chest, and find a cor- 
dial of some kind.” 

Stephano opened his eyes and smiled. 

“I am recovering my strength. I think I could rise 
without assistance, but it is better not to try. They must 
believe me helpless and unconscious. ” 

And so they believed him when the two men came in 
with the cot-bed, and lifted him upon it carefully and he 
gave no sign of intelligence* 


A SILVER BRAND. 


*217 


I must get away before the tide is full again,” said 
Jack. “ Remember all that I have • charged upon you, 
Mike. And keep a lookout for the schooner’s signal* 
though I do not look for it for ten days yet. I shall bring 
plenty of supplies the next time I come. ” 

Did you hear about the schooner, Serena?” whispered 
Lina, as soon as the two men had left the room, locking 
the bolts behind them. “Do you think they mean to take 
us away in a schooner ?” 

“ I hardly believe it. I should not wonder after all if 
there is some foundation for 'the fishermen’s story about 
the strange sights seen here. All this underground passage 
has its meaning. I suspect it is the retreat of some organ- 
ized band of smugglers, and that these two men are con- 
nected with the band. Pray Heaven that we are found 
before the schooner comes, if that is the case.” 

“Do you think they will ever find us? Just think how 
mysterious such a sudden disappearance must seem to 
them. There is not a single clew to show what has be- 
come of us.” 

“Very little, I know. They may find the empty boat 
that this gentleman came in ; and my hat is in that. 
When the two boats were in contact I managed to push 
the hat with my elbows until it fell in, I don’t know ex- 
actly what object I had except that it would show that the 
boat had been hear us. I begin to think of my poor dear 
grandmother. I am afraid the anxiety and suffering will 
make her ill. Oh, that I had the power to send her a 
word of comfort.” 

“ And to think we are so near, only so short a distance 
from our own island. Can it be they will leave this spot 
unsearched ?” pursued Lina, mournfully. 

“I have great faith in Nat’s shrewdness and wisdom, 
Lina. I am sure Nat will hunt us up,” returned Serena, 
reassuringly. “ Let us hope for the best while we may. ” 

“And besides it may clear up the mystery that sur- 
rounds me, ” continued Lina, brightening up. “If it does 
that I shall be grateful for this adventure, hazardous 
though it may be. What did the man mean by saying 
that Nat knew ? If I was sure he did he should have no 
rest or peace until he told me all. Ah, me 1 if only really 
and truly my Aubrey Dalberg would come and explain all. ” 

“Your Aubrey Dalberg !” repeated the pale lips of the 
young gentleman on the cot-bed. “ Do you mean that you 
knew an Aubrey Dalberg ?” 

“Yes, and why have you stolen his name?” returned 


218 


A SILVER BRANB, 


Lina, with one of her flashing, saucy glances. “You 
should be ashamed of it.” 

The careless thrust went home. 

“You are right,” said Stephano, meekly. “I have stolen 
his name, and I am ashamed. ” 

“ Do you really know him ?” demanded Lina, standing 
over him with shining eyes and smiling red lips. “ Oh, 
tell me if he had accomplished my errand. Did he send 
you to tell me my true name ?” 

Stephano was not looking at her face, bright and beauti- 
ful and glowing as it was. Jlis eyes had gone beyond to 
the calm and saintly blue orbs turned upon him in such 
sweet and serious attention. 

“ I should not wonder if that is what it amounts to, ” he 
murmured, “for I can, and I shall tell you all you desire 
to know.” 

Lina clapped her hands joyously. 

“Oh, how thankful I am that all this has happened,” 
she cried, in her pretty, impetuous way. “ Only think, 
only think, Serena ! I shall know at last. We shall be 
happy at last.” 

“We?” repeated Stephano, wistfully. 

“Yes. Serena and I. Do you think I shall accept any 
grandeur or happiness that Serena does not share,” re 
turned Lina, clasping her friend’s hand tenderly. 

“You are a tender-hearted, generous little creature,” 
exclaimed Stephano, warmly. 

“And why don’t you tell me? why do you not speak?” 
persisted Lina. 

“ Not to night, dear, he is weak, and ill, and you must 
not try him anY further,” said Serena, in her mild but 
authoritative fashion. “ You also will be too excited to 
** obtain any rest, and remember we have a long and tedious 
day before us, perhaps many weary days of imprisonment. 
Since the gentleman is so far recovered we had best leave 
him to sleep. We can bolt this inner door from intrusion, 
you see, even though we are also bolted on the other side 
from escape. The best thing for us all is to And what 
strength we can in rest and sleep. Perhaps to-morrow 
will show us a safe way of escape, or our friends may And 
us. We shall need a night’s rest at all events. Come, 
Lina, to-morrow you shall have the story.” 

She drew Lina into the little dreary-looking room be- 
yond, and then came back to set the water within reach of 
Stephano’ s hand, and to give him a biscuit from the closet. 
When this was done she took up an unlighted candle and 


A SILVER BRANV. 


211 


a match, saying, gently, and in as matter-of-fact a tone as 
if she were dispensing the hospitalities of her own house : 

“ Good-night. I hope you will be able. to sleep quietly.” 

When the dingy door closed behind her Stephano felt as 
if a star had set. 

“What an incomparable woman !” he muttered. “She’ 
is a treasure as much more precious than all the Schwar. 
zenberg riches and honors as a pure soul is beyond the 
price of gold and diamonds.” 

And then he fell into a deep and not altogether pleasant 
reverie. 


CHAPTER XXII. 

HIS VOICE RECOGNIZED. 

The seronaut’s, bright idea had been cautiously whispered 
to the fraulein before the evening ended. She turned very 
pale, shed a few bitter tears, and then looked up into his 
face with her own brave, steady eyes. 

“ You are right, my Carl, it is the best thing to be done. 
The only thing possible to save the poor lady from falling 
again into such cruel hands, and to save you also from 
punishment for the aid you have already afforded. I 
think I can do it. I can try at least. ” 

And she went off as he had instructed her, and with a 
little roll of faded silk under her arm," and a lamp in her 
hand up into the attic. Watched of course by the spies, 
but though she was well enough aware of it she went 
around unconcernedly, humming a tune now under her 
breath, and now swelling louder in a sort of meaningless 
jargon one would have thought it. 

One of the men came up lightly, and looked at her 
curiously. 

She nodded a careless recognition of his presence. 

“I am getting my husband a comfortable coverlet ready. 
The master down below said something about a prison. 
And if innocent houses are taken possession of in this 
fashion, I don’t know why you won’t dare to go to further 
lengths, and drag him away. He shall have something to 
make him comfortable. ” 

And down she sat amid a heap of faded clothing, and 
began stitching diligently. The spy lingered a little, and 
then sauntered away down stairs again, but kept within 
hearing of the crooning voice. If there was really a hid- 
den prisoner all the wiser was it for him to give her a 


220 


A SILVER BRAND. 


chance to betray it, by attempting communication. So he 
kept out of sight but remained within hearing. 

The fraulein understood all this very well. But she 
sang on, with one eye on the stairs and the other upon the 
wardrobe. Slowly and cautiously its doors were unclos- 
ing, and in another moment a pale face appeared to view, 
and looked out to her in desperate appeal, in answer to 
the call. 

“Go on, go on, pause not, oh, knight !” sang Crezence, 
in the most careless tone, pointing vehemently meanwhile 
to the rude ladder, which led up to the skylight on the 
roof. 

There was no mistaking her meaning. Lady Pauline 
crept silently up the ladder, noiselessly unfastened the 
board cover of the narrow aperture, and crept through. 

“And wait, and wait,” sung Crezence, “the deliverer 
comes.” 

And shaking out the cloth she rose up, and taking pains 
to make considerable noise about it, and went tripping 
down the stairs. 

“I have my coverlet nearly done,” she said, entering 
the room where her husband and the leadei of the spying 
party were sitting in gloomy silence, “but I cannot get 
open the old trunk to find my binding. Something is the 
matter with the hasp, come and open it for me, Carl. ” 

The aeronaut rose after a moment’s feeble demur, and 
his wife slowly followed him. Behind her crept likewise 
the leader of the band. 

“Now I shall discover something,” thought he, chuck- 
ling, keeping stealthily in the background, and motioning 
for his subordinate to do the same. He heard, however, 
only the noise of some iron filing against a lock, and the 
low voice of the fraulein talking. He fancied once there 
came the sound of a choking sob, and strained his ear 
more closely. Then the lid of the trunk was opened, 
creaking dismally, and fell again with a heavy clump. 

Half an hour longer he waited, hearing occasionally the 
broken murmur of the fraulein’ s voice. Then becoming 
impatient he called to her. 

“Fraulein, Fraulein Koeppel.” 

She came promptly. 

“Is my little one crying— do you want me?” 

“ Tell your husband to come down. I have something 
to say to him. ” 

“Tell me, and I will repeat it. He is busy now.” 

“I will come and hejp him.” 


A SILVEB, BRAKD, 


221 


And the man came bounding up the stairs. She stood 
there before him, with bright, resolute eyes, and a pale 
face, from which the traces of tears had been hastily 
wiped. 

The man stared about him. 

“Why, why, where is your husband?” he stammered,, 
and rushed around the place, and then dashed into the 
wardrobe, uttering a fierce oath as he saw its open back. 
He sprang into the concealed chamber, sifted it over, and 
came out to her fierce and stern. 

“What has become of your husband? And where is 
the lady who was hiding there ? Speak — answer me. They 
were here a moment ago 1 What has become of them ? 
They must be here somewhere. What, oh ! Hans, Seippel, 
come up and help me, search !” 

And as he tore frantically about, still positive that the 
fugitives were concealed somewhere behind the lumbering 
furniture of the attic, the fraulein slipped through the 
door way, and ran down to her child’s cradle, catching up 
the sleeping little one, and pressing him fondly and pas- 
sionately to her breast. 

“Oh, my darling, my innocent lamb, pray with me to 
the saints to guard and keep him !” she whispered. 

She then listened anxiously to the noise above. They 
were out on the roof at last. She could hear their shouts. 
Would they understand ; would they guess his method of 
escape. She looked longingly to the outer door. Every 
pulse throbbed fiercely in the wild desire to rush forth and 
learn for herself what was happening — what had hap- 
pened. But she knew too well that an armed spy kept 
guard there also. Besides she must in no way aid them 
to surmise how or whither they had made escape. She 
sat down with the boy in her arms, rocking herself to and 
fro, and nerving her trembling heart to meet the tempest 
of wrath she knew would burst upon her head. After 
something like fifteen minutes spent in thorough search of 
the attic itself and the roof above, the men all came pour- 
ing down. The leader seized the fraulein’s arm fiercely. 

“ Speak,’ answer me, if you would save yourself bitter 
pain. Tell me where and how your husband fled. He 
went out upon the roof but he could not reach the other 
roof, nor could he jump down without injury to himself, 
much more to the woman who, we know, was concealed 
in that chamber behind the wardrobe. How did he 
escape ?” 

“I was not there. He went out upon the roof, and more 


222 A SILVER BRAND. 

I did not see,” was all the answer he could wring from 
her. 

He thrust her from him, and hurried out to the men 
stationed in the street to watch the front and the rear of 
the house. Since sunset the sky had been overcast, al- 
though no rain had fallen, and the murky clouds had 
vailed the starbeams. The street was dark, silent — gloomy 
looking. 

He demanded eagerlv, “ Had they seen aught descend- 
ing from the roof? Had they heard any noise in the 
vicinity ?” 

No, all had been quiet and peaceful. 

One man alone recalled a singular rushing noise as of a 
flight of birds. 

“ The cursed balloon again ! Had any one seen anything 
of a second balloon that day ?” cried the leader, striking 
his hands together flercely. 

“Yes,” was the eager reply. “There had been a small 
balloon fastened up at the roof ; but it looked more like 
a plaything than anything else. He had inquired about it 
of one of the neighbors, and he had explained that it was 
the aeronaut’s sign. There was no car at all attached to it.” 

Still cursing the baffled detective rushed down the 
street, and almost ran into the little cavalcade of swift 
riders dashing around the corner. 

He drew himself back, and smote upon his breast 
flercely, “It is the prince. He has answered my message 
in person. He has come to identify the lady. And she is 
gone. He will never listen to my excuses. I am undone ! 
I am ruined !” 

And he turned, and followed them back to the aeronaut’s 
door, overwhelmed with shame and terror. 

The foremost of the cavalcade leaped from the saddle 
lightly for all his clumsy weight. 

“ This is the house. It must be here my flying bird is 
caged. This aspiring aeronaut shall learn that a sorrier 
day’s work his balloon could not have done for him. Ho, 
there 1 open to me !” 

He knocked rudely with his sword hilt upon the door, 
which was promptly opened by one of his own hirelings 
within. 

“Well, where is Hernberg?” he asked, carelessly, while 
the man made his profound obeisance. “The footsteps of 
his messenger have hardly kept pace with mine. And 
what have you done with the lady ?” 


A BILVER BRAND. m 

Hernberg was just creeping through the still unclosed 
door. 

With shaking knees and sinking heart he crept forward 
and tried to speak, but the words, seemed glued to his stiff, 
reluctant lips. 

His royal patron turned upon him with a well-pleased ’ 
smile. 

“You have done well, Hernberg. I do not forget such 
prompt service. You have showed wisdom and loyal dis- 
position both. Come, lead me at once to the lady. I am 
impatient to congratulate her upon the speedy termination 
of her romantic journey. And when I have paid my re- 
spects to her, I will come back to help you dispose of this 
valiant and philanthropic aeronaut. ” 

What cruel sarcasm played in the courtly tones. What 
deadly rage was glittenng in his eyes. 

The fraulein, shrinking away in the shadow of the 
cradle, rose from her knees and pressed both hands against 
the heart that seemed to stop its beating. And this was 
the royal prince, the man who was to sit on the throve 
when the aged king should pass away, her country’s ruler 
and king. 

Ah, amid all her terror she felt a thrill -of exultation. 
She would mourn no longer at exile. Let it come. Her 
Carl should be king, country, and all. His broad, gener- 
ous heart, his npble mind, his pure soul were beyond the 
value of all the rest. ' ' , 

But, oh, if Carl should not escape. If he and his hap- 
less companion were overtaken. Well might the little 
wife’s blood curdle at the thought. For even without the 
story Lady Pauline had told, she read the malignant, 
merciless nature in those savage eyes, that cruel, pitiless 
mouth. 

Her pale face, her wild eyes arrested the attention of 
the prince. A mocking smile crossed his face. 

“Ah, I see, the balloonist’s treasures! Humph, they 
would be worth something now if the man had escaped us 1” 

“Your highness,” groaned Hernberg, clasping his hands 
in entreaty, “ that is just what has happened. He has 
escaped !” 

“ Perdition ! that is bad news. I have been puzzling 
all the way just what sort of punishment would most tor- 
ture the wretch,” snarled the prince. 

“ Indeed, indeed, it was not through carelessness of 
mine. The father of evil helped him surely, for I was 
watching the door of the room where he was every mo- 


224 A SILVER BRAND, 

ment. I hope your highness will not blame me too 
severely.” 

“Well, well, it is not so bad as it might be. The security 
of the lady was the principal thing. Lead me to her, I 
say.” 

“ Oh, but your highness, the lady has disappeared with 
him, ” tremulously declared the man. 

Now, indeed, they witnessed a tempest of wrath. He 
uttered volley after volley of oaths, he stamped, he raged, 
he anathematized them all. He even so far forgot his 
royal blood as to strike poor Hernberg with his sword. 
He seized the fraulein roughly by the shoulder, and shook 
her fiercely, while he demanded of her the destination of 
her husband. 

Pale as death, with eyes glittering with horror and 
dread, Crezence stood the test nobly. 

“ I know nothing. I can tell you nothing. He had no 
time to explain. He only said that the toy balloon was 
strong enough to take him up into the air, and that he 
could lash himself to the rope, and was not afraid to risk 
the trial. I saw nothing. There is no more for me to 
tell,” she reiterated, firmly. 

He fiung her»away with a force that sent her reeling 
against the wall, and woke the babe, who began to cry 
lustily. 

“ Away with her. Guard the mate and help securely. 
We will find the tiger yet. Ho ! out on the pursuit ! We 
can hunt them down yet. What is an hour’s start, if 
there be as much. Call up more men if need be, and scour 
the country on every side, ” vociferated he, coming out of 
his passion into the grim determination that was the 
man’s power and strength. 

“ I will find them, if I creep on my knees for leagues, ” 
cried out‘ Hernberg ; “and no accursed balloon shall take 
them out of my reach again, though the fiend himself came 
in it. ” 

“Find them, and I will take back my displeasure,” de- 
clared the master. 

And then in hot haste though with little noise, the whole 
party set fourth again, separating in four directions. 

It was less difficult than they had feared to trace the 
fugitives. Scarce two miles out they came upon the bal- 
loon, collapsed and spent, lying forsaken in the highway. 
They searched carefully for a trace of the fugitives it had 
borne away from the aeronaut’s roof at such imminent 
risk. But not a sign was given. Another mile and they 


A SILVm BBANI), 


225 


met a rustic cart, and eagerly halting the driver, learned 
that he himself was just returning from taking a strange 
man and vailed lady to the turnpike on the other side. 

“And what became of them— where did you leave 
them ?” interrupted a fierce, high voice, which the cart- 
man little enough suspected belonged to the royal prince ' 
himself. ’ . 

“They got out, sir; they said they had only a little 
piece further to walk.” 

“On, on ; our horses are mettlesome and fresh. We can 
not fail to overtake their fiying steps, however swiftly 
they run,” cried out the prince, spurring on at the head of 
the party. 

The clouds were breaking and a star or two shone down 
upon their course. All rode .in silence and at the top of 
their speed. A sweet, holy tranquillity which, the hot, 
fiery heart of the leader could not appreciate or under- 
stand, brooded over the earth. Now and then a lazy in- 
sect, as if startled from slumber by the noise of the even 
hoof falls, whirred forth a shrill call which, dying away, 
left the stillness still more impressive. 

They all knew when there came an echoing footstep 
shuffling down the turnpike, and each rider came to an 
abrupt halt at the imperative wave of the leader’s hand. 

It. was a solitary man, who stopped, hesitated, and then 
turned in consternation to fiy. 

“ Halt !” commanded a stern voice, and he tremblingly 
obeyed. 

“ Who are you, and where have you been ?” 

“ I am Gotfried Hutz. I have — been — over to the beer 
house in the village,” came in stammering reply. 

“ And it takes you all this time to get home ? Tut, man, 
that is an unlikely story. Where have you been mean- 
while ?” 

“I lay down a little to sleep,” was the reluctant ad- 
mission. 

“Then you know nothing of who passed on?” was said in 
a voipe whose disappointment was plainly enough revealed. 

He started forward briskly. 

“ Mebbe I know what you want. There was a man and 
a woman came and sat down on the road-side and talked 
there. ” 

“ By heavens ! it must be those we seek. Speak 1 Tell 
us what they said !” *’ 

“ They seemed in trouble ; they were running away from 


226 


A JSIZVm ZB Am. 


somewhere, and the woman was tired, and had a faint, 
low voice, but wasn’t it soft and sweet !” 

“Go on, tell what he said,” was the stern interruption, 
“and not waste time in your idle descriptions.” 

“ She said they must go somewhere, though he begged 
her to give it up. She said that there was a hidden treas- 
ure which she must find ; that it would save their lives, 
perhaps, if they were taken. She talked grand enough. 
She said as a last resort with some sort of papers in her 
hand she should appeal to the king.” 

The prince gnawed fiercely at his lip. 

“ Go on ; what else was said ?” 

“ The man agreed at last to go, and said they were but a 
short distance away, but he feared the place was guarded. 
Then she laughed lightly and said she feared not if only 
she reached some bridge, for there was a secret passage 
even into the very heart of the house, and she knew every 
step of the way. ” 

The horse of the prince gave a fierce bound ; his rider’s 
spur had been ground into the reeking flank. 

A coin came whizzing over the peasant’s head. 

“Away, away ! let us waste no more time !” shouted the 
prince. 

“ But, your highness, ” whispered Hernberg, “ we have 
not found out in what direction to turn. ” 

“Have we not?” hissed he, between his teeth. “An 
arrow cannot fly straighter to its mark than I can lead to 
that artful woman’s goal. Turn your horse’s head straight 
toward Schwarzenberg, man.” 

And with this his plunging steed went loping on before 
them all, as if newly inspired with strength. 

So it happened just after dead midnight the nodding 
sentinel on the bridge started up at a loud hail and stared 
with amazement as the body of horsemen came galloping 
over to him. 

He had lifted his weapon menacingly, but a single 
glance at the signet ring on the white hand bared of its 
glove for the purpose made him lower it as hastily and 
bend in an humble attitude of submission. 

On rode the horsemen, sweeping up the heights, follow- 
ing the graceful curve of the road, and gaining at length 
the broad lawn. Foremost rode the prince, meeting 
haughtily the challenge of the three sentinels, and it was 
his own hands that sent the loud alarm startling every 
sleeper in the great building. 


A SIZFim ZB Am, 


227 


“ Who comes at this unseemly hour ?” asked an angry 
and haughty voice from a balcony above. 

“One who has a right to intrude at any hour,” answered 
the prince as haughtily. 

The Baron Valentin knew the voice. He gave a little 
shiver and fell back in amazement. 

“Who is there?” shouted Von Schubert, in a still fiercer 
tone from the other side. 

Quickly and angrily rang out the intruder’s answer : 

“How long am I to be kept here waiting ! Comedown, 
Von Schubert, and see for yourself.” 

“ Good heavens ! it is the prince ! What evil errand has 
brought him here at this hour ?” muttered Von Schubert, 
in utter consternation, as he scrambled back and called 
hastily to his valet. 

In as brief a time as might be where every hand was 
shaking with vague alarm, as well as the nervousness of 
haste, the • great doors swung open, and into the dimly 
lighted hall strode the new-comer, followed by his men. 

Von Schubert, with bared head bent low, stood waiting. 

“Your royal highness has important business, surely.” 

“None other would have brought me here — in truth, I 
nave little liking for the place,” was the crusty reply. “ I 
am going to search every nook and cranny of the building. 
But first. Von Schubert, I want to know where is the 
secret passsage-way ?” he added, eagerly. 

“ The secret passage-way, your highness ? In all my ex- 
perience here I have heard of no such thing,” returned 
Von Schubert. 

“ Call up the servants — all the old servants ; and bring 
in that very dignified and noble gentleman who first hailed 
me — I mean the Baron Valentin Baer.” 

“I am here,” spoke a cold, stern voice, and the baron, 
hastily robed in a dressing-gown, advanced haughtily. 

There was no obeisance, not even a bow of salutation, 
but with a pale face and a flashing eye the baron con- 
fronted dauntlessly this rudely coming and unwelcome 
though royal visitor. 

A careless and yet curious and withal contemptuous 
smile played across the prince’s face. 

“ I hope I see the Baron Baer in the enjoyment of health, 
and honor, and happiness,” spoke he, in a tone of ironical 
politeness. “It is a long time since I have had the pleas- 
ure of meeting your lordship. If I remember right, I 
made a few promises to you. I trust you will not accuse 
me of failing to fulfill them.” 


228 


A SILVER BRA2W, 


The baron glared at him, but held back the passion 
which mastered him. He moved slowly toward the stair- 
way. 

“I heard my name called. I supposed there was some 
matter of importance requiring my presence,” he said^ 
“but as I was mistaken I will return to my chamber.” 

“Where we may visit you again,” sneered the prince. 
“I want you to show the way to the secret passage. Lead 
on.” 

“ The secret passage !” repeated the baron, looking over 
to Von Schubert for an explanation. 

“ Is there any such ?” asked the latter. 

“Not to my knowledge, on my honor. Von Schubert, I 
answer you truly. ” 

“ I never heard of it,” repeated Von Schubert. 

“ Call up the servants, every soul I” thundered the 
prince. 

They came in, a scared group, huddling together with 
blank faces and sleepy eyes, hardly yet clear from the cob- 
webs of dreams. 

Who knew of a secret passage ? 

Not a soul answered. The brow of the prince grew 
black and wrathful. 

“I will tear down the old walls, but* I will find it,” mut- 
tered he. “Ho, then, my men, let us go forward and 
search every room. ” 

“Where is Wirt Womberg?” asked one of the house- 
maids, timidly. “ Perhaps that is what he meant when he 
said one day that there were trusts bequeathed him that 
would perish when he died.” 

“ Who is the man ?” questioned the prince, sharply. 

“One of the old Schwarzenberg servants,” answered 
Von Schubert, looking around from face to face. “I do 
not see him here.” 

“ Did I not order you to call them all ? Bring the man 
hither without delay,” reiterated the prince, stamping 
with impatience. 

Two or three of the under-servants darted away, and 
one returned shortly, leading a mild-faced, gray-haired 
man, who bowed with respect^ but yet not with the accus- 
tomed subserviency of his class. 

“I want you to lead me to the secret passage,” said the 
prince, commandingly. “ Lose no time, but lead the way.” 

“Your royal highness must pardon me,” answered the 
old man, with simple dignity ; “ it is impossible.” 


229 


A SILVIJB BE AND, 

“ Impossible I What do you mean, sirrah ? Do you 
deny the existence of such a place . 

“I deny nothing, your highness. I only say it is impos- 
sible that I should lead you to such a place.” 

“Do you mean that you do not know where or how to * 
find it ?” 

Wirt WOmberg was silent. He only folded his arms in 
a sort of passive resignation to whatever fate might have 
in store for him. 

This is discreet and loyal treatment !” raged the prince. 

“ Do you forget who I am, and what command I hold here ? 
Answer me truthfully, old man, and speedily. Do you 
know of such a secret passage ?” 

The poor old man’s face blanched a little, but there 
was no quailing of the fearless eyes. 

“Yes, your highness, there is such a place.” 

The black frown faded out from the royal tyrant’s face ; 
his eye glittered with savage exultation. 

“ Lead on to it then.” 

Old Wirt Womberg stood with folded arms, and moved 
not a step. 

“Did you hear my command?” thundered the prince 
again. 

“ I heard, your highness, but I told you before I could 
not obey. ” ^ 

“Do you refuse to comply?” was the stern demand. 

“I do. It is my duty to refuse,” was the firm response. 

“Ho, Hernberg ! come forward and see what you can do 
to bring the obstinate fool to reason. You may try your 
sword or pistols, the rack, fire, torture of any kind. Give 
him ten minutes to show us the spot,” was the pitiless 
command. 

“It will avail nothing,” said Wirt Womberg, sorrow- 
fully. “It is forty years since I took the oath at the old 
baron’s knees by my father’s side, with his hand in bless- 
ing on my head ; an oath never to reveal my knowledge of 
this secret to any except a Schwarzenberg who had entered 
into possession. They are dead now, your highness, but 
my oath is sacred still.” 

How much nobler and more princely looked the digni- 
fied old man in his very simplicity than this perverted 
scion of a royal house ! A little thrill went through the 
scared lookers-on, but the prince only gave a more sinister 
and evil smile. 

“Poor fool,” he said, “you will soon be convinced that 
your first duty is to your sovereign,” 


230 




“ My sovereign is not here. His majesty the king has 
not commanded me,” returned the brave old servant. 

The prince stamped his foot in his rage. 

“Insolent beggar, you shall learn that I already repre- 
sent the dignity I shall speedily wear for myself. Delay 
not, Hernberg, teach the fool reason. We meanwhile will 
search the house.” ' 

Von Schubert had been hastily whispering with the 
baron. He came forward now, but with a little nervous 
trepidation. 

“ Not every room, I hope, your highness. There is Lady 
Theresa’s room to be exempt, I beg of you.” 

“Lady Theresa— and who may she be ?” asked the prince, 
contemptuously, striding past the speaker, and flashing 
his angry glances around the quailing group. “ Once for 
all you may understand that there are to be no rooms ex- 
empt. I will And that secret passage to-night. ” 

Von Schubert’s haughty face flushed scarlet, his eye 
kindled with an eagle gleaming, and he strode forward 
with uplifted hand. But at that moment there was a 
rustle of silken drapery at the head of the staircase. He 
rushed up and forcibly drew Theresa back, whispering 
entreatingly : 

“ Theresa, Theresa, do not show yourself. That man’s 
admiring glance is like a deadly simoon even to the noblest 
and purest of women. Don’t court it. Hide your face if 
it may be I pray you.” 

“Did I hear him declare that every room is to be 
searched — what, even mine, and poor Stephano’s sick- 
chamber?’’ she returned, in the same hasty whisper. 
“Searched for what? What has happened — what does he 
suspect ?” 

“ Heaven only knows. I can see that he is in a fierce and 
uncontrollable mood. Avoid his eye, I beg of you.” 

“I will go to Stephano’s chamber,” she said, slowly, 
and then she paused and turned back, and clung to his 
arm. 

“Herr von Schubert,” said she, “I am your betrothed 
bride now ; you have a right to ask me to avoid this man 
and I shall do my best to obey you. There is something 
else I would tell you, but have not the time. But save us 
from intrusion in Stephano’s chamber, if you can.” 

“ Heaven only knows if anything will turn him. He 
has already proceeded to measures quite exceeding his 
position. 

“He is not the king yet,” muttered Von Schubert, while 


A SILVER BRAND. 231 

he pressed his lips to the fair hand that clung to him so 
trustfully. 

And he hurried back, hearing a shrieking cry from one 
of the servant- women below, and understanding that poor 
old Wirt’s trial had begun. 


CHAPTER XXIII. 

A MERRY MEAL. 

“Waken, my Serena, my queen of happy prisoners. 
How can you sleep so tranquilly remembering that the 
day dawns upon us amid locks and bars, and in this grim ' 
light from which the' odious shutters bar out the sun- 
beams?” whispered Lina in Serena’s ear, dropping a kiss 
between every word or two, upon the clear white cheek. 

Serena looked up with a start, stared down a moment at 
her crumpled dress, and rose up. 

“Why, grandmother, dear,” began she, and then paused, 
the smile fading off from her lips, and a little tremor cross- 
ing her face. “Ah, I had, forgotten. Good-morning, Lina. 
I am glad to see you cheerful. Can it be really day ?” 

“I suppose it is. I found a chink in the shutters and 
put my eye to it and beheld the sunlight sparkling warm 
and bright upon the water. Don’t look so woe-begone, 
Serena darling, or I shall sit down myself alid weCp. And 
that would not do, I am sure, for my weeping is as stormy 
and fierce as my delight is wild and jubilant.” 

“I was- thinking of my poor old grandmother. I fear 
she is shedding very bitter tears for me. Ah, my dear 
little school ! Ah ! me, Lina, it will never do for me to 
think about it ! Come, let us go out and see how our 
patient has prospered. Have you heard anything from 
our jailer ?” 

“Yes— I heard him try the door of the other room. If 
he had been polite enough to knock I should have opened 
it for him. You must go out and see that sick man, dear. 
And are we* to hunt around like the birds and chickens for 
our own breakfast. Or will it come, as it does to all caged 
creatures? If only we were in fairy-land and had a 
wand I” 

“Let me try what my spells may invoke,” said Serena. 

“ The man has a gentle spot in his heart certainly. It was 
very good in him to furnish us with this basin of water, 
for it must be a trouble to find fresh water on this sterile 
spot. Now that my face at least has had its morning 


23^! A 81LVm BRAm. 

freshening, I must go out and see how the night has fared 
with our patient.” 

She spoke the last in a raised tone of voice with her 
hand on the bolt, which she slipped purposely with much 
noise to give warning of her approach. 

She found him sitting up, having evidently made a suc- 
cessful attempt at a morning toilet. 

“You are better,” she said, joyfully, though in a low 
and guarded voice. 

“ Much better ; quite well, indeed, except for the thump 
on my head, and a little languor and weakness. And you 
— I hope you have been able to find some sleep, notwith- 
standing the unpleasant and painful situation,” he re- 
turned, earnestly. 

“ I h^ve. If only I did not know how keenly our friends 
are suffering, I should be inclined to treat it like a frolic. 
Somehow I cannot anticipate any positive evil. The man 
has a mercenary object. He believes, as we all do, that 
Lina belongs to some great and wealthy family. He 
thinks he shall receive a generous ransom. He will get 
it, 1 think, with assurance also of ,his own escape from 
punishment for the daring deed. Then we shall all be re- 
leased. If I could only send word to my poor grand- 
mother, to relieve her fears, I think I could be contented 
here. ” 

“I am sure I could,” replied Stephano, heartily, with an 
earnest glance into Serena’s face which brought the faint 
blushes there. “'But what must be done ? I have been 
puzzling and puzzling half the night to imagine a way for 
me to serve you. I have little doubt that I can overpower 
this man who has been left in charge, but what can I do 
then? I have no boat, and, as I understand it, we are on 
that isolated rocky mound, an island by itself, off at the 
right of the Hermit’s Isle, around which the surf beats 
constantly. Can you show me what way to serve you ?” 

“Patient waiting seems the present duty,” returned 
Serena, gently. “You are not strong enough to match 
that powerful man. Besides, the leader may have re- 
turned, and they are both armed. No, no ; while we are 
treated respectfully and kindly, I cannot consent to any 
violent attempt at escape. I am in hopes the man Jack 
will explain the situation more fully. Hush ! Some one 
is coming. ” 

Stephano lay back hastily and closed his eyes, turning 
his face toward the wall and into the shadow. 

After a glance to see that he was prepared, Serena 


A SILVER BRANLL 233 

Opened the door, and Mike came in with a large basket in 
his hand. 

“ Robinson has brought this over. He says I am to let 
you come into the kitchen if you like. There’s a stove 
there, and the tea-kettle is boiling.” 

“ Excellent !” smiled Serena. “ Come, Lina, and see that 
the breakfast has come to the captives, only it must be 
prepared. I think there is really no other way than to 
make ourselves contented and comfortable. ” 

“The very best way, indeed, mum,” said Mike, approv- 
ingly. “ There won’t be a hair of your heads harmed if 
you’re only quiet and peaceable.” 

“We will try to be. If you don’t mind, you may leave 
us the kitchen, and we’ll set out our table in the other 
room.” 

“Yes,” said Mike, scraping another awkward bow. “I’ll 
go out and look after my nets. I shall lock the doors, so 
you needn’t try to get out,” he added, with a roguish 
smile ; “ it will be time lost out of the breakfast. ” 

And he went out, and the heavy key turned after him. 

“This is jolly enough,” laughed Lina. “ I don’t think I 
can be miserable if I try. I would like to push open those 
shutters ; but the perforated holes admit more light than 
one would believe.” 

And then, skipping back archly, she said, gayly : 

“Rise, sir knight, and come out and see a queen serving 
her subjects. You may as well improve the opportunity 
for free rambling. Sir knight ! why you have not told us 
your name. ” 

“You must call me Stephano. That is the only true 
part of my name I dare to reveal at present, ” he returned, 
rising with alacrity, and walking a little unsteadily across 
the floor to the door of the little kitchen. 

Serena turned her head with a mingling smile and blush. 
She had rolled up her sleeves from the round, white arms, 
and was busy pouring the steaming water upon the coffee, 
whose fragrant aroma presently filled the place. 

“ All my accomplishments will come in play, I fancy. 
Lina, dear, you were to beat up those eggs for the omelet.” 

“I might do that,” said Stephano, wistfully. 

She shook her head authoritatively. 

“Not to-day. If the idle hands take to mischief to- 
morrow we 'will see what employment can be found for 
them. You are to have invalid’s fare to-day — toast, and a 
wee bit of the omelet. ” 

And then she flitted back to the table and stirred away 


234 


A jSIZVFB ZBAM?. ': 


deftly at the preparation there, looking just the same 
grand, noble creature that she would have been robed in 
velvet and seated in some palace drawing-room. 

Stephano’s eyes followed every movement admiringly, 
and could hardly leave the lovely, gentle countenance, 
when, having bolted the inner door against any sudden in- 
trusion on Mike’s part, the three sat down to the table for 
their breakfast. 

And a merry meal it was. Young hearts are light and 
buoyant ; and despite their novel and uncertain position, 
each one secretly acknowledged the enjoyment of the 
occasion. 

“ Three forlorn prisoners, indeed !” cried Lina, merrily, 
as she rose up. “I do believe we are every one of us 
secretly delighted with the situation.” 

“I don’t pretend to deny it,” said Stephano, gay ly. “I 
am mentally skulking from my plain duty of knocking 
down this accommodating Mike and bearing you off to 
your grieving friends, just because it would put an end to 
this romantic experience.” 

“ It would be much more romantic if we were allowed 
to roam along the rocks and plunge into the surf. You 
ought to be able to swim gallantly away bearing us from 
a devouring dragon. That is the true hero !” laughed 
Lina. “You are a very commonplace mortal, indeed, 
sitting over a breakfast prepared by the queen Keroine. ” 

“ It was a hero who fearlessly came to our rescue last 
night, ” said Serena, softly, with a shining approval in her 
blue eyes that made Stephano’s heart beat warmly. “ It 
would take a long series of commonplace affairs to efface 
that from my memory. ” 

“Would that I might have been of effectual service,” 
returned Stephano. 

“ Hush !” interrupted Lina. “Go back to insensibility as 
quickly as possible. There comes the jailer again. It is a 
new idea to have bars on both sides. We might play keep- 
ing prison with him.” 

Serena hurried away Stephano’s dishes while Lina 
tvorked away at the bolt. 

“It is an ugly thing for such little fingers,” said Mike, 
with a grinning glance at the girl’s white hands. “The 
bolt must be oiled. I’m glad you’re having a good time. 
I heard you laughing.” 

“ If you would let us go out on the rocks or down to the 
water it would be pleasanter,” coaxed Lina. 

, He shook his head decidedly. 


A SILVER BRAYV. 


“That’s against orders, and I can tell you Jack Robin- 
son ain’t an easy fellow when he’s against you once. I’m 
going to fish on the rocks for your dinner, you know, and 
to keep kind of a watch at the same time. I sha’n’t be out 
of hearing, though. And don’t you be trying any tricks — 
now I tell you it tain’t no kind of use. You’re just as* safe 
from getting away as if you were shut in the State prison.” 

“I suppose we are,” returned Lina; “at all events we 
are goings to very innocent work, so you needn’t be con- 
cerned. We are going to wash the dishes. So depart, 
Jailer Mike.” 

And she flourished a cloth toward him, and laughed at 
his sudden retreat, and came back to tell it over merrily 
to the others. 

“ So we are free from watching again !” exclaimed Ste- 
phano springing up again. “I am afraid we sha’n’t have 
such comfortable times when the other man returns. He 
is a sharper as well as a more tyrannical man. It is best 
for me to make a thorough exploration of the house while 
it is possible.” 

“ Go, then ; for when we have finished the work in true 
housekeeper style, I shall expect to hear my story. Re- 
member that I am burning with impatience all this while,” 
returned Lina. 

And Stephano went over the place into every spot where 
he could find his way. He came back with arms filled 
with straw, and went out to the kitchen, and filled the 
stove, and kept replenishing until his stock was exhausted. 

“ What is that fpr ?” asked Lina, curiously. 

“Not for much, I fancy. I only thought the smoke 
might possibly draw attention, and excite somebody’s 
curiosity but I suppose, at a little distance it will look 
like the spray of the surf. There has but one feasible 
mode of escape as yet presented itself to my mind. We 
certainly might set fire to the house. ” 

“And burn in it !” exclaimed Lina, indignantly. 

“ It would be rather a desperate measure, I confess. But 
you know you are too valuable in the way of ransom 
to be allowed to burn. It would certainly draw the 
fishermen here, and the chances would be that one or 
the other of us might escape, and make known the situ- 
ation. I wish I could contrive a way to get into the cellar. 
I take it that the key is in Mike’s pocket. Did there hap- 
pen to be any opiate of any sort in the medicine chest you 
found, Miss Serena ? I think this bright little Lina is cap 
able of bewitching Mike into taking a cup of coffee, and 


236 


A SILVElt BUAND. 


his pockets might thus remain at our mercy. That is plan 
No. 2. It has its difficulties like the other. The surf out- 
side that horrible cave is dangerous, I imagine, and a boat 
might not be there. But then ” 

“How delightful!” interrupted Lina. ‘‘It is like a 
story, is it not, Serena ?” 

Serena had gone to the medicine chest. She brought it 
out, and a bottle of laudanum was confiscated promptly. 

“ All this by way of precaution, in case more trying 
times come to make desperate measures necessary,” ob- 
served Stephano, “as becomes a wise general.” 

“And now,” said Lina, seating herself beside him — 
“ now, Stephano, you are to tell me all I am longing to 
hear— the message Aubrey Dalberg sent. ” 

“Nay,” said Stephano, gently; “you misunderstood my 
meaning, little Lina. Aubrey Dalberg and I have never 
exchanged a single word. But it is just as true that I 
know your history, and that he has helped me bring it to 
you. Aubrey Dalberg is at home in my father’s — in the 
old ancestral home of the family — detained there unwill- 
ingly, I dare say, that I might escape to America under 
cover of his name and passport. You must know that our 
family have been closely guarded to prevent this very 
thing — our finding you.” 

“Finding me !” exclaimed Lina, her brilliant face light- 
ing up more radiantly still ; “ do you mean that you came 
here on purpose to find me ?” 

“Exactly that, little Lina. And here we are prisoners 
together, every possible facility for making each other’s 
acquaintance. ” 

“You came to find me,” repeated the girl, in a little 
ecstasy of delight. “And Aubrey Dalberg helped you to 
accomplish it ?” 

Serena lifted her lowered lids, and looked over to Ste- 
phano, who was gazing earnestly into Lina’s face. She 
thought she discovered pique and chagrin in his voice, as 
he asked : 

“ Is this Aubrey Dalberg of so much account, then ?” 

Lina tossed her head, but a richer color gathered in her 
cheeks. 

“He promised to be the delivering knight. And he kept 
his word, however indirectly.” 

And then she added, hastily : 

“But you have not told me yet. You came over to find 
me, and what then ?” 


A SlLtm ^UANb. 237 

it was Stephano’s turn to flush. Serena saw him bite 
his lip impatiently ere he returned : 

“ A great many things, dear child, probable and improb- 
able.” 

“ Did you expect to take me back with you ? and where — 
to whom ?” 

“ I hoped' to do so, certainly. It was my father’s earnest 
wish. You are a relative of ours, Lina, and it is my 
father’s duty to care for you, to protect you, if it be pos- 
sible.” 

The great limpid eyes deepened and widened. 

“ But my mother, my mother— and perhaps a father, too 
—-are they not waiting for me there ?” 

“Poor child, is that your dream?” spoke Stephano, in a 
voice of pitiful tenderness. 

“But it is true— it must be true !” cried Lina, passion- 
ately. “I have dreamed it so many times, and of the 
great castle, which is 'my home. I can describe it to you. 
I have stolen my chance to peep beneath Theodosia’s cur- 
tain many and many a time. I know how grandly its tur- 
reted roof and noble towers rise up above the trees, and 
how it crowns the heights, looking down into the sleeping 
beauty of the river that washes its feet. You must not 
tell me all this is an empty dream, and not really and 
truly waiting there. ” 

.“The castle is there, certainly, and you will be its mis-- 
tress. No one will dispute yOur right,” answered Ste- 
phano. 

“ But my mother !” spoke the girl, tremulously, clasping 
both hands upon his arm. 

“Dear cousin, your parents died while you were but a 
tiny babe. Theirs was a sad and untimely fate. Do not 
seek to learn the history now, for it makes us all shudder, 
even at this far date, to refer to it. ” 

“No mother waiting?” sighed Lina. “Oh, I was so sure 
of a mother’s heart throbbing yearningly with its longing 
for me. Oh, Serena, Serena, I do not care for the castle 
so much now !” 

And she buried her face on her friend’s shoulder, and 
wept softly. Serena smoothed her with many tender 
caresses and loving words. 

“Such intuitions often mislead the heart, my darling. 
I myself have been strangely stirred and thrilled at 
times. I have seemed to feel her outstretching arms, to 
be sure my mother was near and calling for me. It was 
only last night— the night at home in the cottage, that I 


238 


A SILVER BRAND. 


sprang up from my sleep, stretching out my arms, think- 
ing a mother’s voice entreated me to come. Perhaps their 
angel spirits hover around us and at times make their pres- 
ence felt. Do not grieve so bitterly, my Lina. Some time 
we shall know our mothers. To the heavenly home we 
shall surely go at last. ” 

“Oh, Serena, Serena, if I were only as good as you,” 
said Lina, sorrowfully, “ I should not feet so much the 
lack of a mother’s guiding hand. You must never leave 
me, Serena, must she, Stephano ? You will take her with 
us when we go home to my castle, will you not ?” 

“I should be sorry, indeed, to leave her behind,” an- 
swered Stephano, and a little sigh fluttered away with the 
words. 

Lina presently brightened up, and said, gayly : 

“And the castle really exists ! You called me cousin, 
Stephano ! Is it really and truly so ?” 

“Enough to warrant the claim somewhere in the third 
or fourth degree. And quite enough to give us a warm 
and earnest desire to secure your happiness and safety, 
little Lina,” returned he. “Do you think you could ven- 
ture to trust yourself in my care ?” 

She laid her hand confldingly in his. 

“ Of course I do, my cousin ; Serena trusts you, and I 
always know her judgments are wise and correct. Now 
tell me the rest ?” 

“Nay,” said Stephano, “I am not sure it would be wise 
or well. Let Serena judge. Now that you are in ignor- 
ance you can truthfully deny this man the information he 
requires. If I tell you all the names and localities, what 
will you answer to his demands ?” 

“I see,” answered Lina, promptly, “it will be much bet- 
ter for me to know nothing. And after all just the name 
is but a trifle, while it is a great deal to know that my 
castle actually exists. ” 

“Just at present even the castle is of little conse- 
quence,” said Serena ; “a key to unlock that cellar door is 
of more vital importance.” 

“ You are already tired of this. It has grown dull and 
irksome already,” spoke Stephano, in a low and slightly 
reproachful voice. 

Serena colored faintly. 

“It is natural I should wish to return to my grieving 
friends ; I am moreover still more uneasy about Lina since 
I am assured of the important interests that attend her. 


239 


A SIZVm BBANR 

I know that the Fosses were jealously watchful of any 
acquaintances she made. ” 

“ They are the paid hirelings to keep her existence a 
secret, until their master calls for her appearancce,” said 
Stephano, indignantly. “-I had obtained all I know about 
her before this, and Nat the taxidermist has given me his 
confidence.” 

“Nat!” exclaimed Serena. “Mr. Nathaniel? Ah, then 
I am sure it is all correct. 

“And yet you look uneasy and grave,” persisted 
Stephano. 

Serena glanced across the room where Lina, mounted on 
a chair, was trying to peep through an aperture in the 
stout shutters. 

“Do I?” she answered, listlessly; “I do not mean to. I 
am only thinking — wondering ” 

“About what? Tell me about what you wonder?” 

She turned her eyes toward him, smiled calmly in a 
grave, steady fashion, and answered : 

“ I was wondering if you came across the ocean — if you 
came, or were sent — to marry Lina. ” 

The blood rushed hotly into Stephano’s face. 

She read at once the confirmation of her suspicion, and 
as if satisfied with the discovery, turned away quietly. 

Blit Stephano made a detaining gesture. 

“Hold,” he said, softly, but in a voice full of passionate 
resolution ; “ does, it follow thaL because I came for that 
purpose I must continue in it, when I find my heart turn- 
ing another way ? Do you think I will barter my happi- 
ness for wealth, honors, or even filial duty ?” 

Serena heard every word, but she joined Lina and ap- 
peared as if she had not understood his meaning. Mike’s 
return compelled a forced silence on Stephano’s part. 
Fortunately for the latter, Mike seemed to have no con- 
cern about the sick man. But as the day wore on, and 
Eobinson failed to appear, he grew fidgety and uneasy, 
and mounted many times the rude stair-way which led to 
a sort of loft where a powerful spy-glass was set, and swept 
it across that portion of the adjacent island which was in 
view, muttering : 

“ He promised to make the signal. If he has got into 
trouble it will be as much as my neck is worth to get out 
of this scrape.” 

Night fell again, and the three prisoners looked at each 
other anxiously as the cheerful talk failed, and the at- 
tempted smiles died off from their lips. 


240 


A SILVEB BRAND, 


“Robinson has not returned, and no sign has come of 
any investigation on the part of your friends,” said 
Stephano. “It is folly for me to delay the attempt to 
overpower this Mike. 1 ought to have made sure of it 
during the daylight. It is not too dark yet for us to pick 
our way.” 

“No, no,” cried Lina, clinging to his arm ; “Mike carries 
a pistol, and you have no weapon whatever.” 

“But lean find a dozen effective ones,” he answered, 
firmly ; “ it is cowardly and hazardous for us to remain 
here another night, with but one man for a jailer, if we 
mean to escape. ” 

“But another desperate one is expected every moment,” 
said Serena. “I think rather it would be unwise to run 
such a risk while we are kindly treated. Let us still make 
the best of the situation. ” 

And they separated with good -nights as cordial and in 
as friendly and familiar tones as if they had been members 
of the same family for years instead of hours. 

Just after midnight they were roused by a noisy pound- 
ing on the cellar door. The trembling maidens sprang up 
shivering with excitement, and listened intently. 

“Nat, Nat, we are here,” called Lina. 

“Curses upon Nat ! his fate is settled for him !” growled 
a surly voice, and the knocking was renewed, while Rob- 
inson’s wrathful voice shouted for Mike. 

Mike came shuffling along when Serena slid away the 
bolt on their side of the door, and gave him admittance, 
and producing the key unlocked the cellar door. 

Robinson, bearing a large box, staggered by him and 
dropped wearily upon the fioor. 

“ Bring me some liquor, Mike, my strength is well beat 
out of me. ” 

“ What has been the matter ?” demanded Mike, staring 
at the strange figure his fiaring candle revealed, for Rob- 
inson’s face was covered with blood and dirt, his clothing 
was torn, one eye 'terribly bruised, and his whole appear- 
ance shocking and revolting in the extreme. 

“Bring me the liquor, I say,” thundered he again, “and 
then go down to the cave and drag in the boat. When 
I’m ready to explain my doings to you, you’ll hear about 
it and not before. ” 

Mike obeyed without another question. 

Lina stood a moment looking at him fiercely, and then 
she demanded, hotly : 


241 


A SILVER BRAND. 

“What did you say about Nat? What have you done to 
Nat?” 

“Sent him to the bottomless pit, I hope,” snarled Eob- 
inson. “Keep out of my way, if you know what’s best for 
yourself. There won’t be any more of Nat’s meddling in 
anything. going on in these parts.” 

“You are a wicked, shameful man,” ejaculated Lina, 
stamping her foot, in utter forgetfulness of her own de- 
pendence upon the man’s good humor. 

Serena drew her gently back, and at the same instant 
gave an imploring look to Stephano, who had started up 
as fiercely. 

“You do not mean, you cannot mean that you , have 
added the foulest of all crimes to your already sin-stained 
soul,” she said, sorrowfully. 

A sullen resistance took the place of the malignant glare 
of his eyes as he returned : 

“ I left him stretched out on the beach. Do you think I 
would bear these bruises, the infernal choking he gave me 
and not do my best in return ?” 

Serena’s white lip writhed as she returned : 

“Unhappy man ! what will comfort your remorse when 
your own hour approaches ? You have murdered one of 
my true and tenderest friends. And yet if you wish I 
will bind up those wounds.” 

“ I want no help. Go back to your room.. I am in the 
devil’s own temper to night, and you.had best keep out of 
my way,” he answered, sulkily. 

The two girls crept back to their bed, slipping the bolt 
behind them, and clinging to each other with many tears, 
bewailed the terrible fate of their old and faithful friend, 
as well as mourned the longer postponement of their own 
hopes of escape. 

A week of wretched, uncomfortable experience followed 
this appearance of Jack’s.' He remained with them nearly 
all the time, attending with much care to the healing of 
his bruises, and watching by means of his glass the slight- 
est movement at the other island, but never once ventur- 
ing himself outside the house, although Mike was sent 
twice, once with a letter over which Eobinson had spent a 
, perplexed and painful hour, after searching through the 
parcel of letters found in the box he had brought with him. 

He did not intrude a great deal of his society upon 
them, but he had a way of coming in silently and sud- 
denly, which quite destroyed their ease and security. 
They all suspected that he had detected the ruse which 


242 


A SILVER BRAND, 


passed off Stephano as still too weak and sick to be of any 
service to the prisoners, but concluded he was willing to 
save himself any further harshness if possible. For, while 
he never questioned them, or seemed to be particularly 
watchful, either Mike or himself was kept constantly 
within hearing of every movement. Thus one day when 
Stephano had whispered to Lina : 

“ That box he brought belongs to Mr. Nathaniel ; I re- 
member it well. And it contains important papers in a 
secret drawer. Try and find the drawer if you can, and 
get the papers.” 

And Lina had lightly approached the table where the 
writing-desk stood. Robinson came in quickly, and with 
a loud laugh shouldered the box, and carried it out into 
the inner room where he slept. And again one day he 
burst in upon them suddenly, pistol in hand, and demanded 
that they should follow Mike without a word of complaint, 
or a sihgle attempt at resistance, and Mike was sarcastic- 
ally requested to pick up the sick man, unless he was able 
to walk himself. Which hint Stephano took, and stood up. 

And the three were marched down into the cellar 
through the cunningly contrived secret door and into the 
underground passage where Robinson stood guard over 
them nearly an hour and a half at the expiration of which 
time Mike returned, and gave some sort of sign to his 
leader, who calmly took up the line of return march. The 
prisoners guessed what it meant. A party had come 
searching over the island ; they judged by the disordered, 
uninhabited look that Mike must have managed to produce 
after their departure, that the same party had been al- 
lowed to look into the house; though the doors were 
securely fastened a shutter was open that had been hitherto 
closed. 

Lina rushed forward to this window, and saw a boat 
with two or three men in it just disappearing from view. 

She stretched out her arms with a wild cry. 

But Robinson laughed uproariously. 

“Now, we shall be left in peace !” he said. “They’ve 
satisfied themselves that the haunted house doesn’t hold 
any of the dainty flesh and blood they’re searching for. 
The fools were half scared to death in broad daylight for 
fear of the ghosts.” 

Serena burst into a passion of angry tears. 

“Don’t be impatient, my beauty. You’ll get away in 

good time, the quicker the better for me, so I get th^ 


A SIZVEB BBAJW, 


243 


round sum in gold I ask for such a pretty creature, ” he 
said, in a sort of rough kindness of voice. 


CHAPTER XXIV. 

NO THOUGHT OF YIELDING. 

Surrounded by that circle of armed men — the unprin- 
cipled, mercenary tools of a fierce and lawless master — 
and confronted by the determined, angry face of the prince 
himself, the faithful old servitor of Schwarzenberg stood 
yet unflinchingly, without a single thought of yielding. 

“Do you understand that this is no child’s play — no 
womanish whim ?” vociferated the prince. “ It is treason 
for you to refuse, and the penalty is death, and not a 
short or easy one either. Old man, do you understand 
all this ?” 

Wirt Womberg shook his gray head slowly. 

“I only understand that it will be wicked and cowardly 
for me to break my solemn oafh. I do not understand 
that my sovereign will allow one of his subjects, however 
humble, to be thus rudely assailed. If I am guilty of any 
wrong-doing, it is the law that should try and punish me 
— the law that the king approves apd indorses. More 
than this I do not know or understand. ” 

The prince gnawed savagely at his lips. ' 

“See if you can quicken the Old fool’s faculties into 
understanding what is required of him, Hernberg, ” said 
he, motioning’ to one' of his ruffians — a significant gesture 
which ended with his hand on the dagger at his side. 

Von Schubert laid his hand lightly upon his arm, and 
whispered, anxiously : 

“ Your royal highness will pardon me if I beg you to 
consider a moment. This might be made to look like 
high-handed assumption by , your enemies. Their repre- 
sentations to his majesty might produce much discomfort 
and annoyance for your highness.” 

His hand was flung unceremoniously aside. 

“ Bah ! I will take my own risks. A gray -headed old 
fool — a menial ! Do you think his cause would win against 
that of the throne’s heir? I tell you I will find out what 
this thing means. I will find the fugitive concealed here 
to-night if it costs me everything. ” 

Von Schubert, greatly disturbed and alarmed, went over 
to Womberg, and spoke to him persuasively : 

“Womberg, my good fellow, don’t tempt them to ill- 


214 


A StLVEH BRAND. 


usage. You are an old man, and cannot bear it. If there 
is such a place lead on to it. There cannot be any harm 
in breaking a promise to dead-and-gone Schwarzenbergs. 
There are none left now. You are absolved from the 
oath by their death. Give me a single hint and I will 
save you.” 

The old man’s trembling hands were raised to push 
back the long, silvery locks that dropped low upon his 
forehead, but his bright, resolute eye looked unflinchingly 
back, and his steady, determined voice answered calmly : 

“ They may hack me to pieces, or burn me to a crisp, if 
such things be allowed to transpire here, but little will 
they gain for it. There is no power on earth able to com- 
pel me to speak. Heaven be praised ! so much of man- 
hood we are given from above, and kings and princes can- 
not hinder, if only our own wills are strong.” 

“Away with him, and give him ten minutes’ grace !” 
shouted, forth the prince. 

One of the housemaids gave a frightened sob. 

“Oh! Wirt, Wirt, why don’t you tell? The door is 
somewhere in the picture-gallery — I know it is, for I saw 
you go in once, and when I followed I could not And you. 
It was always a mystery, but now I see through it. Tell 
them, oh ! tell them, Wirt Womberg, before you are 
harmed. ” 

The prince whirled round upon her with an impetus that 
made her shrink back in new terror. 

“In the picture-gallery? well told, wench. Hernberg, 
drag the old man thither.” 

And in a few moments more the whole party was trans- 
ferred to the gallery, and the flaring lamps sent strange 
shades and flashes dancing across the stony, impassive 
faces of the dead and gone Schwarzenbergs. 

Hernberg, with slow and severe scrutiny, followed his 
master’s hasty strides, and carefully sounded the walls 
and examined every panel between the pictures. Brave 
old Womberg stood with quiet dignity, for all a rough 
hand was laid on either shoulder, his head drooping, his 
eyes carefully averted from following the movements of 
search. 

The prince paused every now and then to fling him a 
flaming glance, but learned nothing to help the investi- 
gation. 

When his subordinate came back from a fruitless, how- 
ever careful and thorough, examination, he could no longer 
restrain his wrath. He made a sudden plunge, and, 


A SILVEU BUANl). ^45 

dagger in hand, confronted the poor old man, shouting at 
the top of his voice : 

“ Lead the way ! Open the door of the secret passage, 
or you have sealed those obstinate lips of yours forever. ” 

Wirt Wpmberg met the fierce assault unflinchingly. 

“I can die, but I will not break my oath, nor fail of my 
loyal duty to a Schwarzenberg,” he answered, proudly. 

“ Curses upon you !” muttered the prince, glancing along 
the row of watchful, attentive, and startled faces, to read 
if he might venture upon che dastardly blow. 

His arm fell slowly, while an evil sneer curled his lips. 

“One call afford to wait,” he muttered : “a punishment 
that is studied out carefully falls heavier than the stoutest 
blow.” 

“ But it is only the curses of Heaven that true men need 
to fear,” retorted Wirt Womberg, fearlessly. 

At this moment Hernberg laid his hand on the shoulder 
of the prince, and the latter withdrew a few steps with 
him, while the man whispered : 

“ If your highness will try stratagem, and allow me to 
manage it, ten to one but we will find that secret passage 
in an hour. Leave the man alone here, and he will try to 
escape by it.” 

It was difiicult for that fiery, undisciplined nature to 
forego his wrath even in dissembling, but after an in- 
stant's reflection he answered : 

“Be it so. I leave you to manage it. But mind you I 
shall not tolerate failure.” 

“ If your highness will order a watch set so that there 
can be no possible egress from the building outside,” con- 
tinued Hernberg, in the same whispered tones. 

“Von Schubert, come hither,” commanded the prince, 
stalking away out of the gallery. 

And one by one the crowd of startled lookers-on fol- 
lowed suit, until old Wirt stood alone with his two 
captors. 

They remained beside him, casting expectant, uneasy 
glances toward the door, where presently Hernberg ap- 
peared, and spoke hastily : 

“ Come on ; leave him there, and one of you guard the 
door. I want the other. We are pretty sure we have 
found the clew below.” 

The men obeyed promptly. One came out, closing the 
door behind him, but taking care not to latch it. The 
other, in answer to Hernberg’ s gestoe, walked away 
down stairs, his steps echoing behind him noisily. 


246 


A SILVER BRAND. 


A 

Hernberg himself remained stirless, watching cautiously 
through the narrow aperture for every movement of the 
prisoner. 

Wirt Womberg drew himself up, wiped his forehead, 
and glanced slowly along the gallery, and then seemed to 
turn his head to listen. Then he moved a step or two for- 
ward, and paused again. The poor old man’s* thoughts 
were, indeed, perturbed and anxious. What should he 
do ? Not for himself. It was not his own danger that 
made his heart beat so tremulously. But how should he 
warn and save the new-found mistress, the undreamed of 
son, to whom the loyal old heart bowed in respect and de- 
votion ? This was the problem that disturbed Wirt’s mind 
for he had heard Aubrey’s story, and had already made 
his visit to the secret room of the hidden passage-way. 
And even if able to warn them how could he help them 
make sure of escape, when, as he well knew, the hirelings 
of the prince kept watch around the building, nay, had 
spies established on every roadway ! 

Nevertheless something must be done. Well enough he 
knew a closer investigation would reveal the secret door, 
and he had full faith in the prince’s declaration that the 
place should be found though it required the very walls to 
be torn asunder. 

Slowly the old man moved on, pacing the full length of 
the gallery, and very well aware that a keen eye watched 
through that tiny crack of the door. Now he stretched 
out a listless hand to the wall, and now he bent close to a 
pictured face, but all the time with the aimless air of pre- 
occupied thought. Hernberg watched breathlessly, eveiy 
moment expecting to see some secret spring respond to the 
deft touch of a familiar hand, and scarcely daring to trust 
his eyes, even for a wink, lest they should lose the sight. 

Slowly paced Wirt Womberg, and came toward the door 
where they waited and watched. He folded his arms as 
he approached, and wore a grave, abstracted look, but his 
mind was made up at last, and his movements all arranged. 

Fools as well as knaves ! did they think an old servant, 
born and brought up beneath that fine old roof would for- 
get any advantage the place offered ? Did they fail to 
guess the bolt on the inner side would bar out as well as 
their key would lock in ? 

He came on slowly, with that seeming listless indiffer- 
ence, but when he reached the door Wirt gave a sudden 
leap, closed it, and shot the bolt into its socket. Then 
with flying steps he ran to the secret spring, and pushed 


A SIZVm BRAND, 247 

with desperate haste, while he heard their loud curses and 
angry exclamations. 

The door opened to him its dim retreat, but the old man 
paused to open the nearest window and fling out his coat 
and hat. 

“Let them think I leaped forth, if they are simple 
enough,” he muttered, and with noiseless steps he made 
his way into the secret passage, and carefully closed the 
panel behind him. Once there, he lost no time in hurry- 
ing down to the little room, where, so short a time before,- 
he had made a comfortable bed for the beloved mistress 
who seemed indeed miraculously restored from the dead. 
She started up nervously at sound of the flying f^et. 

“My lady, oh, my lady !” sobbed the faithful old man, 
all his calmness breaking down at a realization of her 
great peril; “you must fly ! The prince is here ! Some- 
how he has learned of your presence, and of this secret 
entrance. He is searching even now to And it. He has 
sworn to tear the very walls apart to discover it. Come, 
oh, come ! amid the darkness we may escape somewhere ; 
but to remain here is to be sure of falling into his hands.” 

She turned upon him her pale, bewildered face. 

“The prince here I Oh, cruel fate ! Does that explain 
the loud noise I heard ? Are you sure he knows I am 
here, Wirt?” 

“ Alack, my lady ! nothing can be more certain, and he 
is in a furious mood. I have myself escaped through the 
picture panel. Come 1 lose no time ! They will break 
down the door. I fear they will discover this retreat. ” 

She lifted one prayerful glance upward, then said 
calmly : 

“ Let us hasten then. But first assure me that my son 
is safe. Alas ! it is cruel to fly from the spot that holds 
this new-found treasure.” 

Carl Koeppel had listened to this with sorrowful atten- 
tion. 

“Come !” said he ; “every moment is precious. If it is 
as dim outside as when we entered I have strong hope that 
we may leave the place without detection. The passage- 
way emerging under the bridge is a great safety. Would 
that we had tried it two hours ago I” 

Wirt had seized his mistress’ hand. 

“ Come, I beseech you ! I will accompany you to the 
bridge, and return to give your son a hint concerning your 
destination. ” 

They proceeded the rest of ^the way in silence, and at 


248 


A SILVER BRAND, 


the outer entrance stood a long time listening for any 
sound before they dared emerge from the great iron door- 
way. Close beside them all was still, but behind, up the 
heights which the underground passage-way descended, 
they heard the confused din of voices and tramping of feet. 

Wirt Womberg stepped forth first, and carefully 
mounted the great timber which ran along under the floor- 
ing of the bridge, just above the water. A strengthening 
support for the structure so an ordinary observer would 
have believed it, but the old Schwarzenberg servant knew 
that it had served and been intended for quite another and 
as important a purpose. It was a safe and covered walk 
across the river, and could only be reached by the two 
secret door-ways, for a close network of iron pins and 
crossbeams prevented any stepping upon this timber from 
the outside, even were one in a boat upon the water. 

Wirt held out one hand silonthly to is mistress, the 
other held the shoes he had removed from his feet. She 
also stepped upon the timber safely and noiselessly, and 
the aeronaut followed. 

At a little distance above their heads was the sound of 
the sentinel’s tramp. They passed bn beneath him, 
scarcely daring to trust a lengthened breath. 

They gained the end of the bridge, and the other door, 
through which alone was egress or entrance to the tim- 
bered walk. 

There was another underground passage, wet and chilly, 
and full of noisome vapors, but fortunately short. From 
this they pushed through a tangled mat of briers, and 
stood on the river-bank, something like three rods below 
the bridge. 

Now there was no longer any protection for them. They 
stood upon the ground, out in the open air. Poor Wirt’s 
heart beat fearfully, and he felt the Angers clutching his 
grow icy cold, as the three stood a moment listening. 

“Hasten!” whispered Carl. “It is growing light al- 
ready. The day must be approaching. ” 

“Heaven bless you, Wirt Womberg !” said Lady Pauline, 
softly, and wrung his hand, then dropped it, and turned to 
follow Carl’s lead. a 

“Halt!” rung out a sharp, commanding voice. “Who 
goes yonder ? Halt ! or I send a ball to bring you to a 
stop !” 

The call was echoed from behind and before. 

It was evident that a cordon of guards barred them from 
the road. 


A SILVER BRAND. 


249 


Wirt seized his mistress, and ran back toward the 
bridge, and Carl followed in hot haste, but hurrying on 
behind him came the roused guard. 

“ It is for our last desperate chance,” ground out Wirt, 
beneath his teeth ; “ there is nothing left but to return 
and bide what will come. ” 

“ Return ! even that much is impossible !” thought poor 
Carl. 

Fortunately the sentinel on the bridge mistook the shout 
for a call to him. He left his post and went leaping over 
the river-bank, while the fugitives were retracing their 
steps along the timber beneath, having no time now to 
soften the noise of their passage. 

“ In Heaven’s name, man, did you forget to close the 
door behind you?” groaned Wirt, when panting and 
breathless he gained the end of the bridge and heard on 
the other side a confused and angry murmur of voices. 

“ Heaven only knows !” answered Carl, in utter despair. 
“I did my best, but the man was close upon me.” 

“Let us make sure of this, at least,” groaned Wirt, as he 
carefully closed the heavy plank, and then once more the 
three stood in the dark, damp passage-way. 

“We are worse than before, or we have given them 
proof of our presence, and of this passage-way,” sighed 
the aeronaut. “ Now, indeed, our case is desperate.” 

“The Lord can save us even yet,” spoke Lady Pauline, 
wistfully, but her voice trembled. 

“ Go on up' into ' the chamber where your bed was pre- 
pared,” said Wirt, “and try to rest even in such peril and 
anxiety, my lady. I will wait a little at this door and try 
to discover what they decide upon. I can hold it open a 
trifle, and possibly hear the talk above. If that is useless 
I will go on up into the upper way and learn what is being 
done in the gallery. ” 

It was in the latter place that there was the most con- 
fusion. Hernberg had broken down the door and the 
prince and all the troop were thumping and sounding at 
the walls. Wirt could hear the flerce, high voice of the 
prince vociferating his furious anathemas and his useless 
commands. He distinctly followed also the rapid speech 
of the sentinel who came in to report the attempted escape 
on the river-bank. 

“ By my father’s scepter, this thing shall be ferreted 
out !” cried the wrathful leader. “ Go on, Hernberg ; pull 
down what and where you please. They are here some- 
where, and we have them cornered like rats in a hole. 


250 


A SILVER BRAND. 


Double the guard outside at the point where you say they 
seemed to disappear into the ground. If you had been 
half witted some of you would have followed them. But 
we will have them yet. I do not leave this place till they 
are found.” 

“ Your highness,” interrupted a strange voice, “a courier 
has just arrived who has been scouring the country to find 
you, and has just traced you hither.” 

“A courier from whom?” 

“From the court, your highness, with some important 
message. ” 

“Show him in here to this spot,” was the imperious 
command. 

And then, after the sound of shuffling feet, came another 
message : 

“Your royal highness, I bring word from the palace. 
The king has been seized with a sudden and alarming ill- 
ness, and has called for you. They are all searching for 
your highness.” 

The obsequious tone betrayed the speaker’s knowledge 
of how speedily his royal highness might be merged into 
kingly majesty. How many hearts there sank dismally 
also at the conviction. 

“Confusion ! How I am thwarted !” muttered the prince, 
impatiently, for lawless and unscrupulous as he was these 
were calls he dared not disobey. “ I must go. I must ride 
back, and it may be impossible for me to return to-mor- 
row, or even next day. Von Schubert, Hernberg, I hold 
your heads both responsible for any escape from this place 
of these prisoners of mine. Eemember, though it is the 
prince who commands the king may be the one to punish 
or reward.” 

“ Whom does your highness leave in command ?” asked 
Von Schubert’s clear, cold voice. 

“Of the place, yourself; of the prisoners, Hernberg. 
Get me a fresh horse, Max, and, Von Schubert, order me 
some wine. I have already been in the saddle for many 
hours, and there is still a long and tedious ride before me. 
It cuts me sorely to leave this thing unsettled, but there 
is no help for it. Keep good watch, Hernberg and it may 
be possible I shall return to-morrow night to see your tri- 
umphant entry into the mysterious passage.” 

And with this the prince took leave. 

“Another day’s grace,” muttered the old servant of the 
Schwarzenbergs. “ Oh, for ten, nay, five minutes’ speech 
with the young master. I overheard a talk between Herr 


A SILVER BRAND, 


251 


von Schubert and Lady Theresa. I suspect he himself 
would almost be ready to help us. Oh, that I might ob- 
tain speech with some of them I” 


CHAPTER XXV. ' ’ 

JOY AND HOPE. 

It seemed an impossible thing, but so shrewdly had Jack 
Robinson managed the facilities in his power that while 
all the simple people of the fishermen’s island, and a 
trained police force on the mainland were searching vig- 
orously for the missing maidens, there they were safely 
caged in very sight of the whole of them for three weeks. 

The island rock in the surf was difficult of access, and 
the old light-house cottage had an uncanny reputation, so 
that few people were likely to brave the peril and dis- 
comfort for simple curiosity’s sake. But neither of these 
causes would have deterred White from close and con- 
tinued scrutiny had his suspicion only been aroused, and 
directed thither. All hands, however, united with the 
first expressed belief of Nat, that the stranger, who had 
visited the island under pretense of securing a collection of 
birds from Nat, had understood the girl’s claims, and had 
taken her away, with or without the connivance of Jack 
Robinson. The continued absence of the two men con- 
firmed this belief, and close and vigilant watch was kept 
over all movements in the direction of ocean steamers and 
in the adjacent towns, rather than upon the immediate 
vicinity. 

White and two of his neighbors had made the visit to 
the cottage, instigated thereto by the very smoke Stephano 
had hoped might attract notice. They had found nothing 
and seen nothing which had a suspicious look. That the 
house was furnished in its rude fashion they had known 
before ; that occasionally some bold hunter, or its adven- 
turous owner, paid it a visit they also knew ; and having 
made sure, as they believed, by knocking and calling and 
reconnoitering on all sides, that the missing ones were 
not there, they returned home none the wiser and much 
wetter, for their boat upset twice before they were out of 
the surf, and thus they gave no more thought to the place. 

Nat still lay ill and helpless, and Penelope Foss tended 
him with the unwearied devotion of a wife or sister, 
added to some deeper, reverential sentiment which those 
who looked in upon her hardly understood. 


252 


A SILVER BRAND, 


The poor creature had almost a thrill of happiness when 
at length, one morning early, Nat opened his eyes upon 
her face and exclaimed, faintly to be sure, but in his nat- 
ural voice : 

“ Miss Penelope Foss — why, how does it happen that you 
are here ?” 

“You have been ill. I came to take care of you. Let 
me give you some drink now, ” she answered as calmly as 
possible, while her heart was thumping so violently. 

He took it passively, but his eyes were moving around 
the room with a bewildered trouble in them. Suddenly he 
gave a quick start, and spoke up sharply : 

“ Where is my writing-desk ? Who has moved away 
my red, brass-bound box !” 

Penelope looked around. 

“The writing-desk, the red, brass box,” repeated she, 
slowly ; “why, there has been nothing like that here since 
I came.” 

His eyes were flaming up fiercely — he lifted a weak, 
tremulous hand, which fell 4own limp and helpless. And 
then again he stared around in bewilderment, and faltered : 

“I do not understand.” 

“Because you have been ill so long,” explained she, 
gently. “You were hurt the night after Lina and Serena 
disappeared. Don’t you remember that I found you 
struggling with a man on the sands, and you sent me to 
White for help ? Oh, I remember ; there was such a box 
there. I carried it to White’s and set it down by the 
door, but what became of it I can’t tell.” 

She was interrupted by a heavy groan. Memory had 
returned. He recalled everything now. 

“ How long ago is it ?” he questiond, feebly, when he 
rallied. 

“Three weeks.” 

“ And they are found ? Surely they are found ?” 

She shook her head and pressed her hand against her 
forehead as she answered, in that hollow, despairing tone ; 

“ There is not a trace. Oh, sir, there is not a single 
trace. ” 

He lay back white and helpless, and closed his eyes as 
if dizzy with the rush of thought. 

She arose, and brought cold water and sponged his face 
and his hands, but had not a word of comfort to speak. 

“Poor thing!” he murmured, when he looked at her 
again, and pressed her hand with a feeble clasp. “ You 
have been ver^ kind to care for me all this time. You 


A &ILVEB, BE Am. 


253 


will help me a little longer ? I must get well. I must get 
strong enough to go upon the search.” 

“ Yes, sir. It has been a sore trial to all to have you 
here unable to give even a helping word. ” 

‘ ‘ I wish you would tell me what has been done. Who 
has taken charge of the investigation ? I wish you would 
bring your brother here.” 

“I will tell Mr. White,” answered Penelope, meekly. 
“ They will none of them listen to a word of mine. Theo- 
dosia has won over Paul, and I cannot wonder. It is a 
terrible blow to lose Lina. Oh, heavens I but is it not most 
terrible of all for me ?” 

“Poor creature!” repeated Nat, pitifully. “This is in- 
deed a sore strait for all of us. My head will scarcely bear 
too deep thought. I will try to rest a little now, and then 
will you send for some one who can tell me what has been 
done, and how much discovered ? I must find them ! I 
will find them !” 

At that very moment, over in the old light house cottage 
Lina was flinging herself upon Serena’s breast, and crying 
out bitterly : 

“Oh, Serena, my hopes begin to fail me. Nat is dead — 
he must be dead, or he would have found us before now. 
And this new movement frightens me. I’m afraid. Oh, 
I am so afraid !” 

“Hush, darling. Heaven has protected us from real 
harm yet. Is not the Lord the ruler of the sea as well as 
of the land. It' seems hard, very hard for us to be torn 
away and carried thus from home and friends ; but, dear 
Lina, it will be our own country still. And you remember 
how we have longed to see the fatherland,” answered 
Serena, soothingly. 

“ And poor Stephano. They were talking angrily and 
pitilessly about him. Oh, Serena, I am afraid they will 
kill him, or throw him overboard. ” 

“ They shall not 1” cried Serena, while her blue eyes 
flashed Ominously. “ Robinson is somehow afraid of me. 
He shall only kill Stephano when they have first killed me. ” 

“If we had only let him try to escape when he was so 
anxious for it,” sighed Lina. “Oh, how foolish and reck- 
less we were 1 It seems now as if it would have been 
nothing for us three to have conquered those two men 
here in this peaceful spot, so near our friends. But how 
helpless we shall be, in the power of a lawless crew on 
board that schooner on the broad ocean. Oh, Serena, my 
pourage fails me at the thought. And what will they 


254 A SIZV£:ii JSBAM?. 

think has become of us? We shall have no hope of rescue 
— none at all. ” 

“I have prepared my last forlorn hope,” answered 
Serena. “I have managed to write a letter and seal it in 
a bottle. I mean to throw it into the water when they 
move us. For the rest there is only for us patience and 
prayerful trust that Heaven will watch and save us.” 

This new distress of the fair prisoners arose from the 
sudden appearance of the expected schooner- Jack had 
discovered it just before sunset, but he concealed his 
secret eagerness and excitement from the others, and 
managed to answer the rocket signal which came just after 
the evening fell, without attracting their notice. 

An hour after his signal there came another, which Jack 
and Mike, who were wakeful and alert, instead of being 
sound asleep as the prisoners believed them, answered by 
showing three lights at the upper window. 

Then the two men, carefully locking the doors behind 
them, stole down through the cellar-way, and out to the 
cave, hurrying off with the boat that was hidden there, 
and rowing briskly, when once clear of the surf, off 
toward the open sea. Before they had proceeded far they 
met another boat, whose lantern attracted them. 

“Ahoy there !” shouted the skipper of the latter. 

“ Ahoy !” responded Jack, cautiously. 

“Who are you, and where from?” 

“Voyager from the Devil’s Cave,” was Jack’s answer. 

“ All right !” responded a rough voice, in a tone of satis- 
faction. “ Is it you, Jack ?” 

“ Ay, ay, sir ! What luck ?” 

“ Tall luck, old fellow! -A rare cargo — all safe ashore, 
of course, and the way clear.” 

“All right. I’ll come in your boat, and let one of your 
hands come with Mike, if you don’t mind.” 

And so the two boats were brought together, and the 
exchange made. 

“It will be a good night’s work to get the things in. 
Jack,” said the man in the tarpaulin hat and oiled coat ; 
“ but we must work right smart, and the sea is so smooth 
it won’t be very bad at the cave, will it?” 

“It is pretty fair. When did you run into the bay? 
You’re home before your time. I didn’t look sharp for 
you for a week yet. ” 

“Well, we had good luck, I tell you. I might have got 
in this morning, but I thought I saw that confounded 
revenue cutter hauling out, so I lay off till dark would 


A JSIZFm £BAm 


255 


cover my slipping below the stream to anchor. If we get 
this cargo off our hands safely it will give us a handsome 
profit. You’ve kept a good lookout over the house and 
the cave?” 

“Yes, captain, and I’ve got a handsome speculation 
a-going. I want to tell you about it,” said Jack Robinson, 
in a low voice, with a significant gesture toward the sail- 
ors at the oars, “but there’s no need of too many hear- 
ing all I say. ” 

The tarpaulin hat was bent nearer, and the two whis- 
pered under its broad brim for ten minutes and more. 

“I reckon you’re right, Jack,” commented the man he 
called captain, and who was really the master of the little 
vessel used in their illegal business, when at length the 
two heads were drawn apart. “ It will be a paying thing. 
I’ll see you through, and the voyage will just jibe in with 
my notions. ” 

“And how soon can you go?” questioned Jack, anxiously. 
“There’s a devil of a search going on, and I sha’n’t feel 
just safe till we are clear out in blue water. You’ll leave 
another man with Mike to look after the house. Of course 
I go myself with ’em.” 

“Well, let me see. It will be a week at the best. I 
must get rid of this that I’ve got on my manifest, and 
take in another cargo for a blind to get through the cus- 
tom house. It can’t be done under a week, Jack.” 

“I wish it wasn’t more’n an hour longer,” muttered 
Robinson, discontentedly. “I could work like a tiger 
then. ” 

“Well, well, you’ll need to work hard enough to-night 
anyhow. I’ve ventured deeper than ever before. This 
case here is full of velvets. What do you think of that, 
old boy ? A nice profit old Moss must allow us, or he 
won’t get the goods.” 

The rest of the talk related to their smuggling arrange- 
ments. An hour afterward the rocky shore was alive 
with men working swiftly and noiselessly, some unlading 
the constantly arriving boats, others towing them safely 
through the surf, and still others dragging the packages 
and cases through the underground passage, and stowing 
them in the stoned room leading from the cellar. 

Cautiously as they worked the noise made aroused 
Serena, who rose silently, and crept out into the other 
room. Stephano was already at the cellar door, listening. 

“ There is some strange proceeding going on,” he whis- 
pered. “ I am trying to understand what it means.” 


256 


A SIZVBB MAm 


“I know very well,” returned Serena, her heart sinking 
within her. “ The schooner they expected has arrived. 
These smugglers are stowing their contraband goods in 
that secret passage-way. Heaven grant they are under 
good discipline, and have no liquors with them, or what 
will become of us ?” 

“ Oh, for a single pistol !” groaned Stephano, through 
his shut teeth. “It was folly and madness in my delaying 
an attempt to overpower them while there were only two. ” 

“Nay,” returned she, sorrowfully. “Think how rash 
and reckless the attempt would have proved. They were 
both armed, and on the watch, and thoroughly acquainted 
with the fortification which nature and art have bestowed 
upon this place. You could have done nothing except to 
have rushed upon your own death.” 

“That would have been something — for your sake,” he 
said, tremulously. 

“For Lina’s sake,” corrected Serena, in her gentlest 
voice. 

“No, by every true sentiment within me, no! Not for 
Lina’s sake, much as I value and care for her,” he an- 
swered back, passionately, “but for yours;, Serena. Let 
us have no deceptions in the midst of these dangers and 
mysteries. It is you, Serena, who claim the tenderest 
emotion of my nature. It is you who won my heart from 
me at the first glance you gave me. It is you who will 
command my loyal devotion to the last throb of my heart. 
I cannot resist it. I cannot undo it — not for a dozen heir- 
esses, and at the command of the king himself. Nor would 
I if I could. ” 

Serena stood trembling.. Even there, in the darkness 
and chill, a prisoner, with the rude oaths and fierce tones 
of the smuggler crew ringing in her ears, with the un- 
known dangers pressing closer, she was conscious of a 
thrill of tender joy and delicious hope. 

“You do not answer, Serena,” repeated Stephano, softly 
and imploringly. “You do not give me a single word of 
comfort back. ” 

“What would you have me say?” she answered, faintly. 

“ That — that you are not angry with me 1 That you do 
not look coldly upon me. That some time, if fortune 
favors me, you will condescend to give me your sweet 
affection in return,” he responded, eagerly. 

“But your father sent you to marry Lina.” 

“He will never be able to compel it. Besides there is 
my brother Roderick. If he can win Lina’s consent let 


A SILVER BRAND. 


357 


him take her, fortune and title. I care not. One 'only 
joy will satisfy my ambitious heart, and that won my life 
will be replete with bliss. It is you, Serena, who can 
crown me with more than coronet, or title or fortune is able 
to bestow — with the richest joy, the purest happiness.- 
You have only to say, ‘ I love you, Stephano. ’ Ah, Serena, 
if you would say it now !” 

What winning tenderness, what pleading entreaty was 
in the rich, deep voice ! All her heart yearned to answer. 
And yet Serena hesitated. 

“Let me answer for her,” spoke Lina’s arch voice from 
the other door- way. “My Cousin Stephano, you might 
have clearer eyes, but you are a passable and clever fel- 
low. I will promise you, in her name, that when Serena 
and I arrive in possession of our castle, she will not say 
you nay.” 

“Thank you, little Lina. Serena, sweetest and best, do 
you also agree to such a promise ?” 

He had found the soft and slender fingers, and the 
gentle pressure they returned to his answered for the shy, 
dumb lips. 

More could not have been spoken then, for at that mo- 
ment came the sound of voices from below. 

“Well, Jack, this finishes the lot. I’ll go back to the 
schooner, and get her under way into the old position. 
I’d like to have taken a look at your beautiful ladyship, 
but I’ll see her in a week’s time. We’ll signal you the 
night we are lying off here, and then send a boat’s crew. 
I’d rather you would take them all. I’m afraid the others 
might betray the secret of this place. We’ll make sure of 
their silence before we let them go — no fear of that. 
You’ll know if I make a good trade with old Moss, for his 
boats will be down and signal, according to agreement,” 
said a gruff, strange voice. 

To which they heard Robinson reply : 

“Well, of course you’ll hurry this thing as much as you 
can, for you see yourself it is a profitable job, and only 
you and I will share the ransom. The crew needn’t under- 
stand it, and Mike can be blinded. But I tell you it is best 
to get off quick. You’re right about the boat’s crew. I 
shall need help. Like as not the women will make a 
thundering fuss, and that young fellow is strong and 
smart ; he don’t cheat me with his shamming. I’ll keep 
Dave and Jim here to help load for old Moss. I’m as 
fidgety as a woman about getting off, now I tell you.” 

“Well, it won’t be outside a week, though it is rough on 


258 


A SILVER BRAND. 


us just home from sea ; but, as you say, it is too good a 
chance to lose. If we make out well I reckon we can soon 
retire from business. Now I’m off. Good-night to you, 
Jack.” 

The three standing at the cellar door, listening, gave 
each other a quick grasp of the hand as this new pro- 
gramme was revealed to them, but as Jack’s heavy step 
ascended the stairs they retreated hastily. 

The next morning Stephano woke suddenly and found a 
pair of handcuffs locking his wrists, while Jack Robinson 
stood over him with a triumphant leer. 

“Only a pair of bracelets,” he sneered, “ to make sure 
our invalid don’t harm himself. They are very becoming 
my gentleman ; ask the ladies if they ain’t.” 

It was on the morning that the week was up that Lina 
flung herself into Serena’s arms with such a despairing 
cry. 

“ Nat is dead — he must be dead. And they will take us 
to the schooner to-night. I know by Robinson’s look that 
we shall go to-night. And poor Stephano’s hands are 
fettered. Will they use those horrible gags to prevent 
our screaming ? Oh, Serena, is there nothing we can do ?” 

“ I am going out to speak with Robinson. Sometimes he 
seems to listen, and be affected by what I say. I will 
make a last appeal to his humanity, but I fear it is idle,” 
answered Serena, calmly, yet with a sorrowful look in her 
eyes. 

Both girls had grown pale and listless, but it was nat- 
ural enough for such strict seclusion from sunshine and 
fresh air, aside from the anxiety and grief they had like- 
wise suffered. 

Lina sat down dejectedly on the edge of the rude bed- 
stead, folded her hands listlessly, and waited her friend’s 
return. Serena came back shortly, a glow on her face, 
but whether of indignation or satisfaction Lina could 
hardly decide. i 

“ Is it of any use to hope ?” she asked, wistfully. 

“Of much use to hope! always and everywhere !” an- 
swered Serena ; “ but my pleading had no influence upon 
him, though once I almost fancied he would yield. But 
he solemnly assures me no real harm shall be allowed to 
reach us. I really think we must try to make the best of 
it, dear. But I have one item of good fortune for you. 
He was fumbling in his pockets while he talked, and this 
key fell out and dropped upon his green jacket, which lay 
in a heap on the floor. I did not allow him to see that I 


A 67LV£Ii jBHAJVD, 


259 


noticed it. But the moment he got up I secured it. I am 
sure it is the key that unlocks those odious handcuffs. 
When I feed Stephano as he allows me, I mean to unlock 
them if such a thing is possible, and then drop the key 
again where I found it. ” 

Which last most desirable result she was able to secure. 
It was a little consolation to know that Stephano’ s hands 
were at liberty, if a fortunate chance gave him oppor- 
tunity to use them, when in the damp, dark night they 
were marshaled out, through the cellar door, along the 
rocky ravine into the hidden passage-way of the cave. 
But there were five men to guard them, and a boat’s crew 
waiting outside. 

With shaking limbs and sickening hearts, the poor maid- 
ens suffered themselves to be placed in the boat, Serena 
holding fast by Lina’s trembling hand, but clutching also 
the bottle which she meant to drop over the boat when 
they reached a spot from which the turning tide would be 
likely to carry a swimming object toward the island shore 
of the fishermen’s village. Toward that dim line of shore 
their eyes turned wistfully and tearfully, but holplessly. 

Stephano was ordered to the opposite side of the boat, 
but when the rowers sat down to their oars he was in the 
way, and they were perforce compelled to allow him to 
take a place beside his fellow-prisoners. He managed in 
the dark to extricate a hand from the iron bracelet, and to 
give to each of them a silent but encouraging pressure, 
and to whisper : 

“ Keep up good hearts. There may come an opportunity 
for help and escape.” 

The schooner was at anchor a long distance from the 
island, and it was a tedious and laborious task to row the 
well-filled boat out to her, and it was long after midnight 
when they reached her. As they came near the anxious 
eyes of the prisoners could detect her graceful shape and 
slender raking mast against the sky, and their hearts beat 
with a vague hope of rescue when they perceived that she 
was moored within hail of two other vessels. 

But as quickly as the hope came it was crushed. The 
men rowed now with extreme caution, and Jack Robinson, 
coming over to their seat with an extended pistol, said, in 
a stern whisper : 

“A single outcry from either one sends these balls 
through the whole of you, and over you go into the water.” 

Lina covered her eyes, and hid her face on Serena’s 


260 


A SILVER BRAND, 


shoulder, and Stephano, grating his teeth in impotent rage, 
fell back again in hopeless apathy. 

There were evident preparations on board the schooner 
for their arrival. A chair was lowered noiselessly and 
the passive maidens drawn up, and hurried across the deck 
down into the cabin. To Serena’s intense relief Stephano 
was also allowed a place in the cabin, although from what 
she heard she judged it was but a temporary arrangement. 

By daylight the sails were shaken out, the anchors 
lifted, and the schooner slowly glided down the stream. ' 


CHAPTER XXVI. 

“heaven help to reward you.” 

A dead calm seemed to brood above Schwarzenberg 
Heights that next day after the midnight visit of the 
prince and his suite ; but it was like the thrilling hush 
that gives portentous warning of the hurricane’s approach. 

The very menials glanced at each other with looks of 
apprehension and dismay. Von Schubert went around 
with a pale, stern face and gleaming eyes. Only Hernberg 
was cool, and smiling, and apparently undisturbed. 

Contrary to the general expectation there was no prepar- 
ations for breaking down any walls in the house. Hern- 
berg received occasionally a whispered communication 
from one of the guard outside, and returned a quiet, low- 
spoken command. Otherwise one would have imagined 
he was on a visit of pleasure. He walked around the 
house, giving due expression to his admiration for this 
old carving, and that renowned piece of armor — curious 
and interested in any bit of family history that dropped 
from any one, and serene and imperturbable ♦as though 
undisturbed in mind. The baron’s family were invisible. 

“And no wonder,” quoth Hernberg, with a shrug of his 
shoulders, when he had carelessly inquired for them of 
the butler. 

“ One needs to sleep half a day to make up for such a 
sudden disturbance at night. I would advise , Herr von 
Schubert to follow their example. His life of retirement 
here has evidently unfitted him to bear fatigue. He wears 
quite a haggard face. ” 

If Hernberg could have looked within, and read all the 
tumultuous thoughts, the fierce struggles, the chaos of 
tempting and threatening that assailed poor Von Schu- 


A SILVEB BBAm. 


261 


bert’s mind, he would not have marveled at a little pallor 
in his face ; for the hour had come, and Von Schubert 
knew it, when the crisis of his life faced him. On the one 
hand he saw a gulf yawning to swallow all that he had 
spent his life in building up, his proud reputation, his 
political success, the brilliant prospects of court advance- 
ment, his ancestral home, his native land. All this must 
sink out of his reach, must drop away from him forever, 
if he turned to the other side, where waited simply 
Theresa, the dowerless daughter of a disgraced, proscribed 
house. 

The man’s nature was fierce, and ambitious, and proud. 
The glittering rewards that his country’s king had power 
to bestow upon his favorite were not for him empty gauds 
and worthless trifles. He valued them to the full extent 
of their claims. He had thirsted, and planned, and 
worked to achieve them. The best part of his life had 
been given to such service. He was no longer a young 
man — he was not insane enough to cheat himself into be- 
lieving that he could win new honors in a fresh field. He 
said to himself it was simply a choice between all that had 
made his previous happiness and glory, and the love of a 
brilliant woman — a creature of fire and tears, autocratic, 
capricious, whimsical, and yet bewitching and charming 
always and every way to him. A choice ! He called 
himself a fool, fiercely and angrily, a dozen times, that 
there should be a moment’s hesitation. It was the more 
ridiculous, the more preposterous, that he had arrived to 
this age, and never before been moved in the slightest de- 
gree by any woman’s smile or frown. 

It seemed indeed that his destiny had met and overmas- 
tered him there at Schwarzenberg Heights, upon whose 
mission he had entered with the zest imparted by a per- 
sonal enmity against Valentin, Baron Baer. And now 
here was he laying down everything precious in his life at 
the feet of this beautiful daughter —laying it down freely. 
He did not cheat himself into believing that he was 
coaxed to it. 

She came out to meet him in the upper hall, her face 
pale, but never more superbly beautiful than it seemed 
now to his yearning eyes. AAvay fled his doubts, his hesi- 
tation, his self-reproach. A sacrifice ! Nay, it was a 
glorious gain. The jewel he should thus secure out- 
weighed all that kings and emperors could bestow. 

“My friend,” said Theresa, wearily, “can you tell me 
what is the next thing on our programme ? My father is 


262 


A SILVER BRAND. 


naturally keenly solicitous. If this news of the king’s 
illness be true every moment’s delay is fatal to us ; for 
once the prince upon the throne, there is no hope for us. 
You know the deadly enmity he bears all of this ill-starred 
house. With all the power in his hand, he will scarcely 
abate his vengeful animosity. Will you tell me if you 
have formed any plan ?” 

“ Not yet. I am going to ride away to learn the latest 
bulletin from the court. I see for myself that the crisis 
has come. When I return I shall have all things planned. ” 

“ Have you any idea who it is he is searching for, Herr 
von Schubert, have you any idea at all ?” 

“ Not the faintest. But I might look a dozen ways and 
find some hunted fugitive from his passion or wrath. Keep 
up your strength, dear Theresa ; I will arrange every- 
thing before I return. Someway, somewhere, there shall 
be a safe retreat found for all of you. ” 

“ You love me, Herr von Schubert ?” said Theresa, softly, 
and there was a kind of wondering awe in her tone. 

“ I love you ! yes, I lov^ you !” returned he, catching a 
little gasp of breath as he spoke the words. “With all the 
rest of the world on one side of a gulf, and you on the 
other, and the choice given me, I should cross to your 
side.” 

Her eyes filled with gentler tears than were wont to 
visit those brilliant orbs. She slipped her white fingers 
into his for a single instant, and whispered back : 

“Heaven help me to reward you for such dear bought 
love ! Do not think I am blind to the sacrifice it brings 
you.” 

He pressed his lips to the fair hand, and lifted a clearer, 
brighter face than he had worn that day. 

“I have counted the cost,” he said, firmly. “Hencefor- 
ward there is no regret, no hesitation. We will make our 
adieus to the prince, be he prince or king, this very night.” 

She clasped her hands joyfully. 

“ To-night ! Oh, Herr von Schubert, will it be possible, 
and these minions here ?” 

“ I am still in command. Let them dare dispute my 
will I” he answered, proudly. “ But I must away. A little 
longer, a little longer, my Theresa, and I shall not need to 
fly from your presence, but may linger to enjoy the gra- 
cious smile that I have won at last !” 

Lady Theresa returned again to the little sitting-room 
where Aubrey Dalberg was sitting, with a profoundly 
grave face. 


A ^ILVUH Bn AND. 


263 


“Do not despair,” said she. ' “We have the promise of 
freedom this very night. You shall fly on the wings of 
the wind to your fair princess, and win her away from 
Stephano, if you are able.” 

Aubrey could not respond to her gay smile. His heart 
was very sore, his mind troubled and anxious. What 
course should he pursue — what path would be open to him 
— if this secret retreat were revealed, and the hapless 
fugitives delivered into this royal villain’s hands? The 
prospect of his own escape was but a new perplexity. 
How could he go and leave her whom his heart acknowl- 
edged as his mother in this dangerous situation ? A sud- 
den, overpowering impulse came to him, 

‘‘Lady Theresa,” said he, “you tell me that Herr von 
Schubert hides a noble and generous heart under his stern* 
exterior. Bring him to me, I beseech you ; I have an im- 
portant revelation to make to him. ” 

“But he does not know of your presence here ; he be- 
lieves you are Stephano, ” she returned. 

“Are you afraid of his anger at the discovery of the de- 
ception ?” asked Aubrey. “ If he is so changed in charac- 
ter from your first description he will pardon the inno- 
cent victim surely ; and if he loves you as devotedly as I 
believe he does he will not chide your share of the pro- 
ceeding. Tell him I know the secret of the picture-gallery, 
that I can lead him into the hidden passage-way.” 

“You! In Heaven’s name, how came you by such a 
knowledge ?” 

“ Have we not discovered that I am a Schwarzenberg, 
and should not the knowledge come intuitively to such ? 
Lose no delay, I beg of you !” he implored. 

She gave him a single earnest look, rose swiftly, and 
hurried away, and was just in season to lay a detaining 
hand upon Von Schubert’s shoulder, as he was passing to 
the outer door, all equipped for a ride to the town. 

“ Just a moment, if you please ! — I will try not to detain 
you more. Come up stairs, and speak with some one 
there,” she said, softly, caring not for the stares of the 
men stationed at all the doors below. 

He obeyed the more promptly that it annoyed him to 
have her beauty known and commented upon. 

She led him straight into the chamber, only stopping at 
the threshold to say, leaning against his breast, a tremu- 
lous smile on her lips, her cheeks scarlet with blushes . 

“ You know we were enemies once. Now that we are 
friends, I have no secrets from you. Herr von Schubert, 


264 


A &7ZV£:ii BRAND, 


I have confessed to you that you have won my heart at 
last. You are too noble a gentleman to wrong me by any 
jealous suspicions. Come in and speak with Aubrey Dal - 
berg, who has taken my brother’s place all this time.” 

“Aubrey Dalberg,” repeated Von Schubert, a frown 
gathering on his forehead, “ how can it be possible I have 
been so duped ?” 

She lifted up the tempting red lips archly. 

“ It is so much better we should be friends. We are too 
sharp to be enemies, Herr von Schubert. And it is you I 
love. Go in and hear his story. ” 

He gave the rosy lips a loving kiss, put her gently aside 
and went in. 

When he came' out his pallor had gone. Two crimson 
spots gleamed brightly on his cheeks, and there was an 
eagle glinting in his eye. 

He caught her expectant glances, seized her hands and 
wrung them fiercely, while he whispered : 

“We will go y we will all escape. I have no longer any 
hesitation ; it is disgrace and dishonor to remain and offer 
servile allegiance to such a ruler. ” 

Lady Theresa hurried back to Aubrey. 

He was pacing to and fro, but with a lightened coun- 
tenance. 

“It is all right,” he said ; “Von Schubert’s plan is like 
his character, daring and stern, but grand, and, I trust, 
invincible. I rejoice that I confided in his generosity.” 

“What cruel names I have called him. What hard 
'words I have given him,” murmured Theresa, remorse- 
fully. 

“ Never fear but a single sincere caress will wipe away 
all such remembrance, ” answered Aubrey, smiling for the 
first time at this humiliated tone from the haughty Lady 
Theresa. “ Bring me early intelligence of his return, I 
pray you.” 

It was nearly dark when the solitary horseman dashed 
again across the bridge. 

Hernberg met him at the outer vestibule. 

“Indeed, Herr von Schubert,” he said, reproachfully, 
“ it is but poor regard you pay to your master’s command. 
Did the prince know you would leave the place to-day ?” 

“Did his highness leave you in charge of my move- 
ments?” retorted Von Schubert, haughtily. “I had a sug- 
gestion that would not brook delay. I have been in com- 
munication with the court and carried out the details of a 
plan much at heart with his highness. Moreover,. I have 


A aiLVEB BRAND. ' 265 

found some one to give me the clew to the secret passage. 
Could I have done better dawdling here f’ 

“ You have found the clew? Well, so have we — at least, 
we have penetrated the outer entrance. I was saving, my 
knowledge for the prince to witness with his own eyes.*' 

“He will come speedily. The king was already recov- 
ering from his strange trance when th e prince reached the 
palace. I am sure that he wishes to be here when you 
first search that uncanny place. For myself he has given 
me a dozen commissions to be attended to to-morrow, and 
I am well-nigh dropping with fatigue now. ” 

And saying this he walked past the guard and hurried 
up to his private rooms. On the way, as he had hoped, he 
met Theresa. 

He bowed with his accustomed courtly gallantry and 
made some formal inquiries concerning her health, while 
the servant lingered in hearing, and then added under his 
breath : 

“The steamer does not sail until another day. We must 
postpone movements until to-morrow night. I have en- 
gaged berths and have managed the affair of passports. 
We have only to gain the steamer’s deck to be safe. I 
have a plan also for Aubrey Dalberg to lead us into the 
secret passage. The only danger is that the impatience of 
the prince may force him to change his mind. But we 
must have hope and faith.” 

“I have both,” returned she, softly, “and love and trust 
also. ” 

He gave her a tetuier, grateful glance and hastened 
away, warned by an approaching step in the other cor- 
ridor. 

Wearily enough dragged the next day in its slow length 
of hours and lagging moments within the mansion to the 
expectant group. How dismally then, with what wearing 
agony of suspense within the stifled, secret chamber where 
the three hapless prisoners watched and listened, scarcely 
knowing whether to expect the crush of the falling walls 
or the rush of triumphant foes ! The stock of food was 
entirely exhausted, though fortunately faithful old Wirt 
had procured a generous supply, little thinking he was 
himself to depend upon it for a day’s sustenance. 

Aubrey was in an agony of anxiety on this score, not 
knowing whether they might not be actually famishing. 
But no art beguiled the guard away from the gallery, and 
one relieved another at regular intervals. The stratagem 
they intended to use in the final effort could not be risked 


266 


A SILVER BRAND. 


until that momentous time arrived. And there was noth • 
ing to do but to wait as patiently as might be. But never 
were moments of more interminable length to aching, 
watching hearts, and never was the gathering twilight 
welcomed with more devout thanksgiving than that which 
fell at length over the tower crowned heights on the ap- 
pointed evening. 

Hernberg was lounging carelessly in the lower hall, 
with a well satisfied expression of countenance, for he had 
mastered the door of the second entrance, and at any 
moment by his s order the passage-way could be cleared, 
and the mysterious fugitives secured. They had not 
escaped. One of the men, creeping in softly a little way, 
had heard their whispered talk. Hernberg was sure of 
the prize, and of the prodigal favor of the prince who was 
heir . to a throne whose king was already tottering to his 
grave. He rubbed his hands together softly, thinking of 
the sure advance of his fortunes. He knew his master’s 
set ways and cruel disposition thoroughly enough to re- 
frain fron| losing him the satisfaction of being present to 
gloat over the dragging forth of the hunted fugitives. He 
had them safe, and he kept a jealous guard. Not that he 
mistrusted Von Schubert’s good faith. The latter had 
been too long in the confidence of the prince — too high in 
his favor to be suspected. Besides, who in the days gone 
had been so zealous and of such service in defeating all 
machinations in the Schwarzenberg or Baer interests ? 

No, Hernberg had no distrust of Von Schubert, only he 
was rigidly faithful to the duty committed to him. 

“To-morrow, you say, his highness is coming,” re- 
marked he. 

“Yes, to-morrow,” returned Von Schubert ; “he will be 
in better humor when he knows that you have caged the 
birds, and hold a clew to the opening. It has been close 
and tiresome work. We ought to have had more men. 
These must all be well fatigued, for watching is harder 
than working ahvays. ” 

“Humph ! I don’t waste much pity on the fellows,” re- 
turned the other, indolently. 

“ They had better have a stiff glass of brandy instead of 
beer, served out to them. It will be sleepy work watching 
through the night, and we can’t afford to risk anything. 
Shall you go to bed? I’ve half a mind to stay up myself, 
for I can’t feel easy till they are safe in his hands. Then 
our heads are safe, and our shoulders clean,” spoke Von 


A SIL VER BRAND. ' 267 

Schubert, in the tone of one hardly aware his thoughts 
had found words. 

“ The men are trusty. They have learned by this time 
it is risky business trifling with his highness’ commands, 
or with mine either, for that matter. Let them have the 
brandy, though ; but take care they can’t find a way to 
get a second draught. That would be the ruin of all. ” 

“Well, I suppose so. I was only pitying the poor 
knaves ; I am so fagged out myself. On second thoughts 
I will retire since you are sure it is safe. And perhaps it 
is as well to say nothing about the brandy.” 

And between the sentences Von Schubert yawned fright- 
fully. 

Hernberg laughed. 

“Indeed, I think it an excellent idea, and I would re- 
commend you to take a little yourself, Herr von Schubert. ” 

Von Schubert returned a faint smile, and walked away 
slowly The butler was waiting at the rear door. 

“ Herr Hernberg recommends a glass of brandy served 
all round, Seippel,” said the speaker loud e.nough to 
reach Hernberg’ s ears. “ Take it to the men now. There’s 
a case in the lower sideboard that you may use. And tell 
them to be watchful, and trusty.” 

He turned on his heels, and then returned. 

“Oh, by the way, the prince said something about a car- 
riage to be sent down .to the bridge in case he wanted it 
there. I suppose the sentinel ought to be told not to chal- 
lenge or drive it away if it makes its appearance, though I 
don’t anticipate its coming.” 

“Very well. I’ll give the order about it.” 

“ Then I’ll go to my bed. 1 confess I am ready enough 
for it. Good-night.” ^ 

“Good-night, Herr von Schubert. May the morning find 
you refreshed. ” 


CHAPTER XXVII. 

STRUCK BY APOPLEXY. 

Eleven o’clock rang out in clear and vibrant peals 
through the great halls of Schwarzenberg, and the echoes 
among the groined arches took up the notes and flung 
them to and fro. Then as the last musical ring died away 
the solemn stillness dropped again into a hush like that of 
the tomb. Not a fold of the faded old banners stirred, 


268 


A tULVEB BRAND. 


never one of the grim knights lifted his bronze spear or 
raised his helm^ed head. But these were dead, dumb 
statues. 

Where were the armed soldiers Hernberg had left pacing 
the slow, short round ? Like the knights, except that they 
were stretched prone upon the floor, they made no gesture 
— they gave no sign of life. 

Outside, along the bridge, below upon the bank lay the 
dark figures scattered here and there, with closed eyes 
and fast-locked brains. 

If the trembling, foreboding captives could only have 
seen — have guessed how free the path was. 

From roof to basement there was utter silence until the 
chime again announced the lapse of another hour, and told 
the arrival of the solemn noon of night. 

Then a door was cautiously unclosed, and Von Schubert, 
with a pale face that was almost ghastly beneath the flar- 
ing light of the candle he carried, stole forth and glided 
noiselessly from one floor to another. He smiled grimly 
as he counted over the fallen figures. 

“Potent little drug !” he muttered, “how easy it has 
made our path. ” 

And then he went on out into the star-lighted night and 
made sure that the brandy had performed its mission there. 
Returning with the same cautious tread — for there were 
other sleepers over whose senses only healthful sleep had 
control — he went swiftly to Aubrey Dalberg. 

“ Go ; prepare them to be in readiness, and take the food 
and wine they may sorely need to fortify them against the 
fatigue of the hasty journey before us all. We will follow 
shortly, if you will return to guide us. Thank Heaven, 
our way is clear ! he whispered. 

Aubrey seized the basket already prepared and made his 
hasty but silent way to the picture-gallery. Two motion- 
less figures barred his path, but stepping lightly over them 
he gained the panel door, pressed the spring, and almost 
stumbled over old Wirt as he sprang through. 

“ Thank Heaven, you have come !” whispered Wirt, seiz 
ing hip hand and covering it with tears and kisses. “We 
are well-nigh ci*azed with anxiety and suspense.” 

“ I have brought you food, and the way of escape is all 
arranged,” whispered back Aubrey. “Let us hasten to 
give the wine to my mother. ” 

“ She needs it sorely. The air is close and sickening, 
and only a trifle has passed her lips to-day.” 

Von Schubert had sped back to his friends and the baron 


A SILVEIl BRAND. 


269 


and his daughter were ready with the small package of 
valuables which alone was to remind them in exile of their 
Schwarzenberg home, waiting for Aubrey’s signal, when 
suddenly Von Schubert, with a gesture of despair, rushed 
to the window and listened. 

What sounds broke the quiet of all around ? He groaned 
in anguish as he listened. There were the even footfalls 
of a party of equestrians and the rumble of a carriage on 
the long bridge. 

“The prince has come. Oh, heavens ! to lose all in the 
very moment of triumph !” he cried, bitterly. “Hear how 
swiftly they come. Ah, me, they have seen the sleeping 
sentinels and mistrust treachery. Quiclf ! fly back to 
your beds. I must try to dissemble, to save the ruin of 
us all. ” 

He ran hastily as he spoke and pounded vociferously 
upon the door he had been so careful to avoid. 

“ Hernberg, Hernberg, where are you? Waken! Here 
is some horrible plot. The men are all asleep. I was 
drugged myself 1” 

Hernberg came out thrusting himself into his clothing. 
Von Schubert’s agitated face might well deceive him. 

“In the flend’s name what has happened?” he cried. 

At that moment came the thundering assault upon the- 
doors below. 

“ Ho, there, Hernberg I Von Schubert, are you all dead ? 
What ails the knaves who should be keeping watch ?” 

“ If those prisoners have escaped I will shoot myself !” 
groaned out Hernberg. “ It is the prince 1 Von Schubert, 
what is to be done ?” 

“ It may not be too late. I will admit them and do you 
rouse up your men if any of them can be stirred out of the 
trance that seems to hold the guard here. ” 

And he took all possible time to remove the heavy bolts 
from the door. The prince came in stalking past Von 
Schubert furiously. 

“What drunken orgie is this? Your guards are stone 
dead, or brutally drunk, and I am kept waiting at the 
door.” 

“ I know it, your highness. We have just discovered it. 
Hernberg will tell you it is no fault of the poor fellows, 
or of the keeper’s. We have all been drugged.” 

“ Are the prisoners safe ?” 

“ Yes, yes, your highness !” ejaculated Hernberg, joy- 
fully, darting through the side door. “ Oh, Von Schubert, 
we are in luck ! I have been down myself and crept into 


270 


A SILVER BRARL. 


the bridge passage. They are there. I hear them talking 
and just planning escape this very hour. I have put two 
of the prince’s guard there to watch. We have them safe. 

The angry countenance of the prince cleared. Von 
Schubert glancing at it saw that in the brief time since he 
had been gone it had grown purple and swollen. 

“He has been drinking furiously, ” thought he : “either 
something very bad or very flattering has taken place. ” 

The explanation soon came. 

“ It seems my fortunate star is shining, ” said the prince, 
in a tone of hilarious gayety. “Hernberg, go out and as- 
sist my fair visitors to enter. I have two fair ladies in 
the carriage who are, no doubt, anxious for a glimpse of 
these stately walls. iNothing could have happened better 
had I the whole ordering of events. I arrive in season to 
prevent my greatest prize from flying away again. Von 
Schubert, you remember the strange fellow craving admit- 
tance at my door ? What think you ? It was a worthy 
Yankee skipper who had brought over the lovely heiress 
for whom we have planned so tetiderly. She was there at 
the port waiting in his ship. I gave him the gold he 
asked. You shall say if it was not well bestowed when 
you look upon the face of the young baroness. And I trow 
she brings a maiden companion as fair and stately as her- 
self. Bring them in, up to the gallery, Hernberg, and 
then drive up the hiding obdurate one who has taken 
refuge in the secret corridor. ” 

He stalked on as he spoke, and Von Schubert mechani- 
cally followed, lighting the way with the candle he still 
held. In a moment after Hernberg entered, and behind 
him, clinging to each other and glancing around in invol- 
untary awe and admiration, for all their distress and ter- 
ror, came — who but Lina and Serena. 

So impressed were all with the momentous revelation at 
hand that as one after another of the sleepers roused up, 
and came hastening to the scene, not a thought, scarcely 
a look was given to the helpless flgures of the heeavily 
sleeping guard. 

“Fairest baroness, behold your honored and distin- 
guished ancestors !” spoke the prince, with mocking cour- 
tesy. “I take great pleasure in introducing this last of the 
illustrious line to the home of which, from time imme- 
morial, the Schwarzenbergs have been so proud and boast- 
ful.” 

The last words had reached Valentin Baer, for hearing 
the stir within the hall, he had ventured forth, fastening 


A SILVER BRAND. 


271 


his dressing-gown as he came, to give the appearance of a 
sudden rousing from sleep. Theresa likewise glided 
among them. She had seen the flutter of ladies’ dresses, 
and caught the words “Baroness of Schwarzenberg,” and 
intense curiosity and feverish interest had overcome both 
fear and prudence. Following softly behind her father, 
she hovered in the background, looking over wistfully to 
the two central flgures who were the focus of all the eyes 
there. 

“Bring more lights!” commanded the prince. “Let us 
give the fitting illumination to this important occasion. 
And seats also for the fair and noble ladies. I trow this 
is an entertainment not often given, famous as the old 
house may be for its fetes and revels.” 

The few servants who could be roused obeyed with the 
alacrity of fear. Hernberg and his allies grouped them- 
selves on one side. Von Schubert, still pale and nervous, 
half shielded Lady Theresa with his broad shoulders, and 
the prince, with glittering eyes, flushed face, and evidently 
extremely agitated, though he tried to assume a cool and 
nonchalant manner, was striding to and fro in the center 
of the ring thus made in front of the two trembling, 
alarmed maidens, whose pale but beautiful faces shone 
out with singularly thrilling effect. 

“ The last of the Schwarzenbergs !” exclaimed Valentin 
Baer. “Do you mean that this is the Baron Arnold’s 
daughter ?” 

“ Even so, my lord baron. The proofs are indisputable. 
It is rather inconvenient for you, I confess. Let me see, 
it takes away your title. You are simply Herr von Baer ! 
And a proscribed man at that. Well, I ought to condole 
with you, but somehow — ” and here a triumphant smile 
broke over his face, “somehow I do not— remembering 
the prophecy I made for you eighteen years ago.” 

“Condole!” returned Valentin Baer, fiercely. “No, it 
would be as much mockery for you to offer as for me to 
accept it. It is your work, your planning. Why was the 
daughter of the Baron Arnold concealed, her very exist- 
ence hidden? Well enough I know it was in furtherance 
of some deeper plot, some atrocious villainy. It is your 
work, all the misery, and wrong, and cruel experience that 
has blighted all our lives. Yours alone !” 

Von Schubert laid a warning hand upon his arm. Hern- 
berg took a step forward as if ready at the first command 
to throttle the daring speaker, but the prince only laughed 


272 A SIZVEB BRAND. 

contemptuously. He actually enjoyed the wrath of his 
defeated enemy. 

“Rail on!” he sneered. “Do you think I shall conde- 
scend to be roused to anger at such an insignificant voice. 
My planning 1 Well, if it is, you must confess that I have 
wrought powerfully and well. I told you, when there was 
time for you to heed it, what would be the result of step- 
ping in my path, thwarting my wishes. You vowed ‘to 
save the Lady Pauline from my polluting grasp.’ You 
see my memory holds the words yet. Poor fool ! you 
thought your own mad passion would thus gain some re- 
sponse. Well were you fooled. When you thought she 
was already yours, behold ! the favored lord of Schwarzen- 
berg stepped in and bore away the prize. ” 

The Baron Valentin’s face was fairly livid with the rage 
stirred up by this taunt. 

“It was your devilish wiles that deceived me. You 
gave me false hopes,” he shouted. “You goaded me on to 
quarrel with a noble and generous kinsman. You de- 
ceived us all — one and all. On your head lies the curse 
for all the guilt and horror that followed.^’ 

The prince rubbed his hands together softly. 

“It was horrible, was it not? The proud blaze of the 
Schwarzenberg glory was abruptly quenched in blood and 
shame. Why once to be a Schwarzenberg was to be next 
to the royal family itself, so powerful and infiuential were 
they at the court. And now ” 

Diabolical and vindictive was the hoarse laugh he gave 
as he paused, and looked fiercely into the poor baron’s 
quivering face. 

“It is your doing— all your doing ! I call Heaven to 
witness it, ” vociferated the latter again. 

The prince had turned to the shuddering Lina. 

“Fairest lady, it is ungallant to dwell upon these un- 
pleasant themes when first you have come home to your 
ancestral roof. Pardon us. Be assured there is one 
younger and more ardent, waiting impatiently for his 
bride, who will speedily clear the place of yonder usurpers. 
He will vindicate your rights here. ” 

“Stephano, oh ! where is Stephano !” groaned the Baron 
Valentin. 

Theresa stepped forward to his side, and laid her white 
hand caressingly upon his shoulder, while she whispered : 

“Hush, my father— oh, hush ! All may not be lost yet. 
Von Schubert can save us even now.” 

“But why do I linger with such trifies when the triumph 


A SILVER BRAND. 


273 


for which I have bided eighteen years waits fruition ?” 
continued the prince. '“Now will my promise and my 
power be thoroughly vindicated. Now comes the strain 
that will break at last that indomitable spirit. Send in 
your men from the lower passage, Hernberg, and drive up 
the hiding inmates of the secret passage-way.” 

Valentin Baer turned slowly and stiffly, but the cruel 
man, whose will for the time was law, made an imperative 
gesture. 

“Nay, wait a little longer, and you will be repaid, I 
promise you. My prisoner within is no common person- 
age. You will be interested to look upon a face that will 
seem to rise out of the grave for you. ” 

The baron turned his startled eyes upon him, opened his 
lips, and then closed them mutely. 

“Yes,” muttered the prince, pacing to and fro, in the 
excitement and fever of his anticipated triumph, “ at last 
she will yield. At last the slow approaching victory is 
gained, and my revenge complete. ” 

His eye was glancing restlessly and expectantly along 
the paneled walls. From which side would open the secret 
door ? 

Hernberg had given his signal. Every one waited 
breathlessly. Even the two wondering maidens to whom 
this strange scene was a complete mystery and bewilder- 
ment felt the thrill of premonition. For all its crowd of 
witnessses no sound was in the gallery after the muttered 
tones of the prince died out, but a profound, expectant 
stillness. 

The muffled shout of the pursuing guard came through 
th^ thick walls to them, and then distinctly the sound of 
flying feet. Another instant and the panel, with the old 
knight’s picture, swung noiselessly open, and Wirt Wom- 
berg stepped forth hastily. 

He stopped as if transfixed with horror at the sight be- 
fore him, and making a warning gesture, tried to push 
back some one who followed behind. But she had already 
seen the jeering smile, the flaming, exulting face of the 
prince, and recognized the uselessness of any resistance, 
while a wild hope that among some of the company she 
might find compassion, possibly a generous intervention, 
impelled her forward. 

She stepped forth, even in that moment, with a queenly, ^ 
majestic bearing and had never looked more beautiful 
even in her days of youthful bloom. The pallor of the 
smooth, unwrinkled complexion held the ' clear trans- 


274 


A JSIZVm 


parency and polish of ivory ; two spots of burning crim- 
son sent back the effect of girlhood’s roses. The eyes 
blazed and dilated, and deepened till their spell seemed to 
magnetize every one there. Around the slender, and still 
wonderfully graceful figure, fell and swayed in a soft 
shimmer of glossy waves the still luxuriant tresses, whose 
golden brown vailed the silver threads beneath. 

The Baron Valentin gave a great cry of mingled joy and 
horror. 

“ Alive ! The Lady Pauline alive !’' 

A low murmur ran swiftly along the group, and then 
died out abruptly as the prince strode to the new-comer’s 
side. 

“The Lady Pauline herself ! My lady, I give you joy of 
this meeting ! My bird was tired of the forest and essayed 
wings. Has it learned yet that the master’s hand is strong 
elsewhere as well ? Is the fair rebel tamed at last — will- 
ing to come fluttering, a voluntary guest, and not a 
captive ?” . • 

“My spirit is still the sarne, ” returned she ; “and so, 
alas ! I see, is your cruel power. But I shall yet escape. 
I still defy and scorn you !” 

“Wait a little, my princess,” spoke he, in a tone of the 
most ironical politeness. “I have some one here to intro- 
duce to you — a fair ward of mine, newly arrived from 
America, for whom an impatient bridegroom clamors 
loudly. See yonder, the fair daughter of Arnold of 
Schwarzenberg !” 

The Lady Pauline followed the gesture of the out- 
stretched hand and rushed toward the two beautiful maid- 
ens, hesitating only a moment between them, though each 
countenance was alike tender and yearning, and intensely 
interested. She seized Serena, and clasped her to her 
bosom, covering her face with a hot shower of kisses and 
a rain of tears. 

“ My child ! — my own, my little Lina !” 

Serena’s calmness had all broken up. Turning deadly 
pale, and clasping both hands against her heart, she 
sobbed : 

“No, no ; you are mistaken— I am not Lina. Oh, Lina, 
darling, I never envied you before I” and turned away 
burying her face from sight. 

Lina, in her ardent, impulsive way, threw herself into 
the arms that turned to her at this explanation of Serena’s. 

“Is it you, my child ? You have more the look of my 
own family. I thought I recognized my Arnold’s grand^ 


A SIL VER BRA W. 


275 


calm eyes in her. Have they told you, my darling, that 
it’s not your mother’s fault, but her sorrowful fate, that 
has left you to grow up without her love and care ? Did 
they explain to you that I was cheated into believing you 
dead ? — that I was borne away to a cruel prison ? — that I 
am the most persecuted, the most hopeless captive on the 
face of the wide earth ? — and that he yonder, the deadly, 
malignant, pitiless foe of your father’s house is to be shun- 
ned as the deadliest pestilence ? Do you know all this, my 
precious, my unhappy child ?” murmured the Lady Paul- 
ine, in swift, excited tones. “Oh, would that you had 
not come hither to place yourself in his power ! What 
will become of you ? — what will become of you ?” 

“Her fate depends upon her mother’s decision,” spoke 
the prince, fiercely. “Hard-hearted, obdurate woman, I 
did not think there would be a moment’s hesitation at 
this time. Tell me the hiding-place of those papers, and 
cease to struggle against my will, and all will then be well 
for you both. ” 

Lady Pauline turned slowly. All the scorn, and con- 
tempt, and loathing that such a vehement nature could 
contain was poured into her flaming glance. 

“Never! never! never!” repeated she. “I defy your 
power still. Heaven has heard my cry before. It was 
almost a miracle that answered me then. Can I doubt it 
will be heard again — the cry of the innocent in the hands 
of the thrice guilty and accursed ? Who are these people 
about me ?” And she turned from one blanching face to 
another and clasping her hands, cried, in piteous entreaty, 
“ Oh ! have you all hearts of stone ? Hear him ! You 
know by his own threats how wicked and barbarous has 
been his treatment. You know that I am innocent and 
helpless, defrauded of my rights, outraged in all my ten- 
derest hopes ! Surely the king cannot be deaf to such 
monstrous sins. Go to him — show him what has been 
(jone — expose this vile, tyrannical, wicked man before he 
is seated on your country’s throne ! Help me !” 

The prince’s laugh rang out loud, and high, and fierce. 

“ You waste your eloquence. Not a soul here but is, 
like yourself, in my power, or bound to my interests by 
the closest ties. I tell you it is my hour of complete tri- 
umph. Yield to it, you stiff-necked, rebellious creature ! 
There is no power on earth able to help you. The king 
lies on his dying bed. See ! even Valentin Baer cringes 
in silence, and Von Schubert does not lift a hand— there 
is none to help you on the wide earth.” 


276 


A SIZV£B BHAh^D. 


She turned those shining, dilated ey^s from face to face 
slowly, but hers only brightened into an almost unearthly 
glory as she cried in a high, impassioned tone : 

“ I do not ask help of earth. I pray to Heaven for it. I 
have a deliverer yet. ” 

While she spoke she stretched forth her hand toward the 
half-opened door of the secret passage. The wrapt faith, 
the intense, high wrought look, despite his efforts at re- 
sistance, impressed the man’s superstitious nature. He 
half shrank back while following the direction of that 
slender finger, and grew pale with sudden terror, as a 
figure slowly emerged to view. 

A manly, graceful form, with a pale face and eyes that 
to the conscience-stricken prince seemed to glow with 
supernatural light, half blended with the darkness of the 
windowless corridor, and thus seemed indistinct and 
shadowy. It advanced nearer, and the prince, staring 
wildly, fell back and stretched out his arms to ward it off. 

“The Baron Arnold !” he gurgled, thickly ; “ the ghost of 
the Baron Arnold, just as he looked when he fell !” 

A purple hue rushed over the pallor of his face ; his eyes 
seemed starting from their sockets. He took another step 
toward Von Schubert, reeled, and fell prone. 

They lifted him up, but though there was the sound of 
short, stertorous breathing, no sign of consciousness came, 
and he was silently borne to an adjoining chamber. 

“Apoplexy!” exclaimed Von Schubert, while his heart 
gave one quick bound of glad relief. 

“The wretched career is indeed fitly ended,” he mut- 
tered, softly, in Theresa’s ear; “and it is a glad day for 
the land that might have suffered under his iron rule. 
The heir presumptive is a generous, conscientious, noble 
gentleman. Take heart. All shall be well at last for 
Sch warzenberg. ” 

Lady Pauline had flung her arms ar'ound her son with a 
wild sob of unutterable gratitude. 

“ It was indeed the hand of Heaven. He thought it was 
my Arnold come out of the grave to rebuke him. Oh, my 
son, you were your mother’s savior.” 

“ Aubrey— Aubrey Dalberg,” whispered Lina, stealing a 
step toward him, her eyes shining with sudden joy. 

Aubrey caught the little hand in his. 

“ Little Lina 1 here at Schwarzenberg. Could you not 
wait for me to bring you tidings ?” 

“ He is your brother, my darling I Oh, Heaven, can it 
be I clasp to my arms my Arnold’s children alive and 


A SIZVMi BRAND. 


277 


safe ?” ejaculated Lady Pauline, bursting into a passionate 
flood of tears as she turned her eyes toward the portrait 
before her. 

“ My brother ! Aubrey Dalberg, my brother I” repeated 
Lina, looking up pitifully into his face. “I don’t be- 
believe it. ” 

Aubrey bit his lip fiercely. 

“ Let us wait. There is so much to tell, so very much 
to be explained,” he said. And is it safe for us to linger 
here? He may recover, and we shall be again in his 
power.” 

“He will not recover,” said Yon Schubert, solemnly; 
“ the recklessness of his life gives assurance of it. They 
have gone for a physician and we shall soon know. Be- 
sides, my friends, Hernberg has left strict orders to guard 
you well. But fear not. If there is sign of recovery I my- 
self will post away to court, and lay all this shameful his- 
tory before his majesty. It cannot be overlooked. He 
will not dare pass it by, even if his inclinations prompt it. 
The record is too black and monstrous. ” 
j “And I can add to your testimony, papers which will 
^rove not only my Arnold’s innocence, but this man’s 
treasonable machinations,” said Lady Pauline. “It is for 
their recovery that he has persecuted, but has not dared 
to kill me. I hid them ; years and years ago I hid them, 
and still I have them safe. ” 

And then the long and startling explanations were ex- 
changed. 

“And where isStephano?” asked the Baron Valentin, 
suddenly. “ Lady Lina, has not my son found you ?” 

“ He was thrust ashore, and bade to look after himself 
when we were taken from the schooner, ” answered Lina. 

“ He whispered to me that he should find his way here 
speedily,” explained Serena, coloring faintly as she spoke. 

Lady Pauline looked at her wistfully. 

“My heart is strangely drawn toward your friend, 
Lina,” she said. “Where could she get that expression of 
eye so wonderfully like my Arnold ?” 

“I should be grieved, indeed, if you did not love her,” 
returned Lina, smilingly. “She is my precious Serena— 
my one darling friend. But for her help how should I 
ever have borne the strangeness and discomfort of this 
forced journey? Oh ! Serena, Serena, can you realize that 
we have really found my castle ?” 

Lady Pauline turned at a gentle touch upon her arm, 


278 A SILVEB BRAND. 

and met the deprecating, tremulous glance of Valentin 
Baer. 

“My friend,” said he, “can you forgive one who has also 
suffered bitterly and long ?” 

She put her hand in his frankly. 

“From the depths of my heart. I know now how 
cruelly you were deceived — what satanic influences urged 
you on. I know, moreover, that it was not by your hand 
that my Arnold perished. ” 

Valentin hung his head, and a flush of bitter shame 
colored his very forehead. 

“Nay, I will not disguise the truth. I might have saved 
him. Oh, Heaven forgive me ! I heard his drowning cry, 
and let him perish. I was tempted of the devil truly, and 
I yielded. Oh ! can it be that these long, dragging years 
of misery and remorse have expiated my sin ?” 

“ Let us pray Heaven that it be so. If you are able you 
will help reinstate his children in their rights, and be a 
kind and judicious friend for them,” she returned, with 
gentle solemnity o^ voice and look. “ Or, if persecutions 
continue with that pitiless man’s revival, you will aid us 
to escape to safety. ” 

“Heaven knows I would gladly lay down my life to re- 
store you to all the peace and joy I once connived to wrest 
away from you. Lady Pauline, ” he returned, humbly. “ I 
will not insult you by alluding to the mad love I bore 
you, nor to the bitter jealousy 1 felt toward my noble 
kinsman. If, as you say, you know how that arch de- 
ceiver cajoled me and fed me with mad hopes, you have 
an idea of the temptations which may not extenuate but 
may a little palliate my sin. Gladly will I relinquish all 
my usurped claims upon Schwarzenberg — joyfully do my 
best to bring back Arnold’s children to their rightful 
home, and when I see it accomplished it will give me the 
first peaceful hour I have known since your husband’s 
death. ” 

“I believe you,” answered Lady Pauline. 

“ And now, pray, let us all try to And a little rest. 
These ladies, I am sure, will need it, they look so thor- 
oughly exhausted,” said Von Schubert. “There is nothing 
to be done, no movement whatever made, until the physi- 
cians have pronounced their opinion. Let Theresa show 
you to her own apartments. The moment the doctors de- 
cide a messenger will be posted to court, It will be 


A SILVER BRAND, 


279 


pleasanter and wiser for you to be out of sight, if there is 
a thorough investigation made. ” 

And his suggestion was obeyed. 


CHAPTER XXVIII. 

DEATH OP THE PRINCE AND KINO. 

Many agitated, tearful explanations had been ex- 
changed, and the basis of new and tender friendships 
formed before that next day noon brought the same group 
together. 

There was no longer any doubt or fear among them. 
Von Schubert came softly into their midst, and said 
solemnly : 

“The prince is dead !” 

Not another word needed. A long profound silence fell 
upon them all. Lady Theresa stretched out her hand to 
him, and he took it tenderly, but without other speech 
than the dumb caress could give her. 

Lady Pauline sat with clasped hands and prayerful 
eyes lifted upward. Aubrey’s arm was around her, and 
Lina was leaning at their feet, a hand with each, but they 
both felt that her thoughts were away with the husband 
she had lost. 

How long the silence would have lasted could not be 
tld, for there came a sudden, hurrying step, and Stephano 
rushed into the room. 

“Father, Theresa — are they here? Serena, Lina. Oh, 
Heaven be praised that you are safe !” he ejaculated, in- 
coherently as he dashed from one to the other, and re- 
mained at last holding Serena’s hand clutched in his. 

And then he turned with a joyful smile to Lina. 

“Lina, dear, there is some one else below. Who do you 
think I chanced upon as I made my hasty exit from the 
wharf, where they tumbled me off so unceremoniously ? 
It is so strange, so almost incredible ! My Serena, your 
wise forethought brought it about. The bottle you threw 
into the water reached the shore, and the finder carried it 
to Nat, who was just able to sit up in his bed, afttr that 
severe sickness. He lost no time, ill though he was ; he 
took the first steamer across the water. He and Paul and 
Penelope Foss, little Lina. They are fairly dying to clasp 
you in their arms. ” 


280 


A SILVER BRAND. 


“Nat — dear Mr. Nathanier safe ! That wicked man 
made us think he was dead,” ejaculated Serena, in a voice 
of intense gratitude. “ And they can tell me about my 
poor grandmother. ” 

“My darling old Auntie Pen !” cried Lina. 

“They came with the American Consul. They appealed 
to him claiming you two girls as American citizens, ” re- 
sumed Stephano. “ Is it safe to show them up here ?” 

And he looked rather doubtfully at Herr von Schubert. 

“ He is our friend, Stephano — he is our best friend ” de- 
clared Theresa, proudly. 

“ It is true !” confirmed his father. 

And Stephano’ s ingenuous forehead cleared. 

“ Send for them at once. I heard the great news as I 
came in. The prince is dead.” 

And then Stephano hastily pulled his father away. 

“Father, father, send for Roderich at once,” he whis- 
pered, “if you want to secure the heiress. I know her head 
is full of this Aubrey Dalberg, and — and — ^^it’s no use to ex- 
pect anything of me. I am pledged to her friend — I will 
live or die for Serena. I yield all my claims to Roderich, 
for I will never marry any but Serena. There ! now my 
mind is free !” 

His father had no ability to respond to this vehement 
and startling declaration. He only stared a moment be- 
wilderedly into the young man’s face, and then sat down 
again. 

Stephano, drawing a long breath, returned to Serena’s 
side. In a few moments the door again unclosed, and 
Nat, pale and thin, but a glad, eager light in his eyes, 
entered, followed by Penelope and Paul. 

The two girls sprang forward with joyful cries, and 
were clasped tenderly and close. 

“ Auntie Pen — Auntie Pen, ” said , Lina, sorrowfully ! 
“ Oh, how you have pined ! how you have mourned for me. 
You are so pale, so pale and thin !” 

Penelope’s great deep eyes were full of unutterable joy. 

“You are safe, my darling. You are safe 1” she kept 
murmuring. 

“ Safe, and in my castle at last, ” answered Lina, gayly. 
“And, oh. Auntie Pen, I have found my mother. Come 
and see my mother !” 

“Your mother,” echoed Penelope, in a hollow voice. 
“ Why do you jest with me ?” 

Nat had turned, too, with a sudden start, and with the 
/irst investigating glance toward the rest of the group, for 


A SILVjEB 


281 


he had been holding Serena’s hands in his, and tenderly- 
soothing the tidings he brought of the poor old grand- 
mother’s sudden but peaceful end. 

His eye came to Lady Pauline’s face at last, and, turn- 
ing frightfully pale, he caught at Serena’s shoulder, and 
steadied himself there. 

“ Serena, what does she mean ? Who is the blue-eyed 
lady yonder ?” he gasped, faintly. 

“ It is true, Mr. Nathaniel, it is Lina’s mother. Ah, me, 
it is the most I envy her. Is she not noble and beautiful ? 
All my heart pours itself in admiration at her feet. It is 
the Baroness Schwarzenberg, Mr. Nathaniel. She has 
suffered everything and yet has been so brave and true and 
loyal to her dead husband. Her story will melt your 
heart. The prince gave out that she was dead. He car- 
ried her away to a gloomy house in the forest and kept 
her there year after year, adding hardship to hardship to 
force her to yield the secret hiding-place of some import- 
ant papers and to consent to receive his suit. Such a won- 
derful, grand creature as every look and word proves her ! 
Oh, if I were Lina I should almost reverence the ground 
on which she treads.” 

He shut his eyes a moment, and she felt the tremble 
and quiver that ran through his frame. 

“You are ill — you are too much overcome, dear Mr. 
Nathaniel,” she whispered. 

“Yes, let me sit down quietly. Say nothing, my child, 
I shall soon recover.” 

She obeyed him, quietly brought a chair, and put him 
into it, and stood before him as a shield. 

Paul Foss had proceeded toward the larger group. He 
approached Herr von Schubert hesitatingly. 

“You have received the young lady. I hope you are not 
angry with us for this strange and unwarrantable appear- 
ance of hers. It is still a mystery to us. And his high- 
ness is dead I am told. Did he die without knowing of 
her arrival ? I hope he was not seriously angry with us. ” 

“Nay,” replied Von Schubert, gravely, “no one can ac- 
cuse you of failing to perform your duty in this matter. I 
am aware of the reward promised you, the restoration of 
the family estate that was forfeited by your grandfather. 
Circumstances have changed all things, but if I rernain of 
influence with the present king, whose situation is pre- 
carious in the extreme or with his successor, my influence 
shall be exerted to secure the fulfillment of the agreement. 
Still I must warn you that such may not be the case. I 


282 


A SIZyjEB BUAND, 


may be myself in disgrace, for if such a thing could have 
been done I should yesterday have exerted all nw power 
to snatch this innocent young girl from the hands of the 
prince. But he is dead now. And I trust her claim as the 
daughter of the baron is in no danger of dispute. ” 

“Lina,” cried out Penelope Foss, sharply, “do you love 
this new-found mother? Will it be a sore trial to give up 
this grand house ?” 

“What do you mean. Auntie Pen. How wild your eyes 
look !” 

“Shall I speak the truth? Heaven’s solemn truth here 
before these people,” demanded Penelope, catching both 
the girl’s hands and holding them so fiercely Lina shrank 
back. 

But she looked earnestly into the worn, haggard face, 
and answered, bravely : 

“Yes, Auntie Pen, speak the whole truth.” 

“Amen!” echoed Nat’s voice, as he bent forward and 
peered into Penelope’s face as if to read her very soul. 

“ Then I will do it, ” spoke Penelope, low and solemnly. 
“The lady yonder may be the Baroness Pauline. She 
looks like the portraits, and more like one I knew better — 
her kinsman, Konrad Darn, but you are not her child. 
You are no Schwarzenberg, Lina. Oh, my darling, have 
pity if you can, and not kill me with your anger and dis- 
appointment. For I, poor wretched, forlorn Penelope, am 
your mother. ” 

Paul Foss leaped forward and shook her fiercely. 

“You are crazed, Penelope, as Theodosia always said 
you would be. Have we not taken care of her from a 
very babe. Does 'she not bear the mark — the stamp of 
Schwarzenberg’ s Silver Brand? How can there be a 
mistake ?” 

“You are innocent, Paul,” returned she, meekly. “You 
are all innocent of the cheat — I alone am to blame. Listen, 
and you will understand. You know my wild ways as a 
girl, and the strict, hard hand my father and Theodosia, 
his model, kept upon me. How could it be otherwise than 
natural that, when I went away to my indulgent, ease- 
loving aunt’s, I should fall into trouble. I loved and mar- 
ried a young student in the university near — loved and 
married him all in secret, and in my giddy mind, thought 
it a fine jest to astonish Theodosia with until that terrible 
day when I was called home to my father’s djdng bed, 
and made to kneel with the rest of you, and swear sol- 
emnly never to marry until the trust bequeathed to the 


A SILVBB BRAND. 


283 


family was safely accomplished. I was so afraid of my 
father, and so overwhelmed with horror that I knew not 
what I did. After it, the full enormity of what I had 
done came over me, and made me more a coward than 
ever. I was called away again. A new horror dazed my 
brain — my young husband had been killed — killed or mur- 
dered, and no one knew that I had any claim upon him. 
While yet my brain was dazed with the anguish and hor- 
ror of all this, my sickness came upon me. My poor aunt, 
horrified and ashamed, took me to a hospital under a false 
name, and there my child was born. She made me leave 
it, and hurried me home in answer to Theodosia’s call for 
my assistance at the new charge ; the babe of the Schwar- 
zenbergs, which had been given over to them almost at 
the moment of birth. It was necessary that its existence 
should be kept a profound secret, and while they were 
making ready for a departure to America, Theodosia sent 
me vrith the child back to my aunt’s. The moment she 
proposed it, the wild project leaped into my mind. The 
Silver Brand which had been used to mark the noble in- 
fant, was still in Theodosia’s possession. I stole it, and 
hurried away with the child. Do you see how Fate helped 
me ? A poor creature in the hospital where my babe re- 
mained had given birth to a feeble little thing which died 
suddenly two days after its mother. I was alone in the 
ward, having taken the nurse’s place. It was an instant’s 
work to change the clothing. I put the dead babe in my 
own child’s place. I laid the heir of the Schwarzenbergs 
beside the dead woman, and the grandmother came back 
another hour and took it away, and my own child I nursed 
and cared for, having: marked her wrist with the Silver 
Brand. No one discovered, no one has ever suspected 
the deception. Do you understand ? Is there need of my 
saying more ?” 

Lady Pauline came forward fiercely. 

“And my child — my true daughter,” she demanded. 

There was a wild cry of joy — a sudden rush, and Serena 
had flung herself at the lady’s feet. 

“ Mother, mother ! oh, my mother !” 

“It is true. She is right. Serena is your daughter,” 
spoke Penelope, faintly. 

Lina had turned away — had clasped both hands over her 
eyes, and was sobbing bitterly. 

It was natural enough. The noble ancestry, the proud 
old home, the beautiful stately mother— it was hard to 
have them all swept away. 


284 


A SILVER BBAND» 


Sick at heart, shivering as with an ague, poor Penelope 
turned to go. Then it was that Lina drew away her 
hands, the hot tears plashing over her cheeks, while her 
warm, generous heart vindicated itself. 

“No, no,” she cried, choking and gasping to clear her 
voice from sobs. “No, no, no, you must not go. I love 
you — I have always loved you. Auntie Pen, give me time 
to be used to the change, and I will be a true and loving 
child to you. ” 

Penelope turned, a radiant smile breaking over the wan 
face. 

“And forgive me, Lina, forgive me for coming and 
taking away all these grand hopes, and leaving you only a 
poor broken down, guilty mother.” 

“Yes, yes, if there is anything to forgive. I love you, 
mother I” 

The last word was pronounced tremulously with a little 
effort, but Penelope uttered an ecstatic cry, and hurrying 
back caught Lina’s hand and covered that and her very 
dress with passionate, kisses and warm, relieving tears. 

' Nat strode forward and laid his hand on her bowed head. 

“ Penelope, you were married, you said. Who was this 
child’s father — speak, I pray you.” 

“ Konrad Darn, ” answered Penelope. 

“ Oh, how bitterly I was deceived !” exclaimed Nat. 
“Poor dupe of that wicked man. I challenged, I fought 
with Konrad Darn, believing that it was my own bride 
who had thus deceived and cheated. I wounded him, but 
I had no suspicion it was fatal. To this day, I believe 
that some ruffian was. hired to finish the murder ; that it 
might be a new claim to hold me to that princely villain’s 
power. It was he who so adroitly fastened suspicion 
upon poor Darn. It was he who poisoned my kinsman’s 
mind aerainst me. ” 

“Whose voice is that? Who speaks?” implored Lady 
Pauline, springing up and staring into the bronzed, 
bearded face with deepening, dilating eyes. 

He turned with a glad, transported smile, and hurrying 
forward knelt down at her feet. 

“ My angel wife ! none the less an angel that it is the 
earth and not the skies, as I thought, which holds her. ” 

“Arnold, Arnold! Oh, it is cruel to deceive me,” she 
implored. 

“ There is no deceit. I am Arnold Schwarzenberg. They 
left me to drown and believed that it had happened. But 
I reached shore. I fled away. I believed my wife false. 


A SILVER BRAND, 


285 


my reputation lost, my honor in danger, and that man 
held over me a power that any moment I knew could give 
me, innocent as I was, to the block. ” 

She had her arms around him, but at the same instant 
slipped away white and cold. The great joy was more 
overwhelming than her bitterest trial. 

While Theresa and Serena were anxiously attending to 
her resuscitation, Valentin Baer came forward slowly with 
a head drooping low in shame. 

“ Arnold, Baron of Schwarzenberg ! Heaven sees that 
there is none who can more sincerely rejoice at your re- 
turn than the cowardly kinsman who left you to your fate. 
What can I do to prove my bitter remorse, my sincere 
penitence ?” 

“It needs nothing, Valentin. I have known the truth 
long ago, and forgave you at the same time. Did I not 
write you that the witness in America could clear you 
from the black charge which kept you a prisoner at 
Schwarzenberg? Do you not see that I am Naiman Wom- 
berg ?” 

The two grasped hands in joyful reconciliation. 

And here the Baroness Pauline revived and murmured 
her husband’s name fondly. A joyful, living group sur- 
rounded her. It was a scene too tumultuously rapturous 
for portrayal. 

Aubrey Dalberg had stolen out where Lina stood hesita- 
ting and half disconsolate. 

“I am so thankful,” he murmured in her ear. “ I could 
not be reconciled to have you for my sister, Lina.” 

And Lina blushed hotly, and saw a world of comfort 
also in the new view. 

Penelope was wise enough to understand. 

“Ah!” said she, “you may find her parentage not so 
humble. The Darns must have been a noble family.” 

“That is my family name,” spoke Lady Pauline, softly. 
“My mother was a Darn, and Konrad was my beloved 
cousin. ” 

At which Lina’s bright face dimpled again into joyous 
smiles, and she came back to Serena’s side. 

“ That accounts for the likeness between them, the like- 
ness and yet the difference,” said Stephano, and with a 
little embarrassed hem, he added for his father’s ear 
alone * 

“ I take back what I said. I will not yield to Roderich 
my claims upon the Schwarzenberg heiress.” 


286 


A SILVER BRAND. 


“You deserve her, Stephano, since you chose her disin- 
terestedly, ” replied that father, proudly. 

“ And if only we clear the matter with the court I see 
not but there is a joyful solution,” spoke Von Schubert, 
presently. “ It is certain that the Baron Arnold’s appear- 
ance must clear HerrVon Baer, and give him his liberty. 
About the estate ” 

“We will have no division,” spoke up Arnold, quickly. 
“Have we not suffered, and mistrusted and quarreled 
enough to live together the rest of our days in peace 
and love? Nothing can be more satisfactory. I have 
loved Lina all these years as my daughter. This bra,ve, 
new son of mine will give her to me for one in reality. 
My precious Serena here will make my disinterested and 
gallant Stephano still dearer to me. Valentin’s daughter 
shall share our love and home. ” 

“I beg your pardon,” said Von Schubert, brusquely. 

Baron Arnold laughed gayly. 

“ Ho ! sits the wind in that quarter ? I am right proud 
that my fair kinswoman ' has vanquished so worthy an 
enemy of our house. So then there is an honorable and 
delightful settlement of all difficulties, if only his majesty 
can overlook these disagreeable truths, and I can clear 
myself from that false charge of treason so adroitly wound 
about me. ^ 

“I have the papers safe. I thought to clear your mem- 
ory. Oh, may Heaven be praised that it is your living 
honor I have shielded !” cried his wife, joyously. 

“And now we need Dr. Mentz. I want every proof that 
the laws require, though my heart is already convinced,” 
spoke up Aubrey. 

“ Here is a letter that came to the steamer .when I ar- 
rived in America under your name,” said Stephano. “I 
knew not what else to do, but to keep it until I could put 
it in your hands. It has a black seal.” 

Aubrey seized it and read it through, wiping away his 
tears as he folded it. 

“ The whole is explained. She who has been a kind and 
indulgent mother to me is dead. She left a dying declara- 
tion that I was not her own child. They adopted me in 
Germany. Dr. Mentz can explain the rest. There is no 
doubt — no doubt at all.” 

“And it only remains to hurry to the king,” said Von 
Schubert. 

“ The king is dead. He died almost at the same hour 
as his royal highness, ” announced Hernberg at the door 


A SIL VER BRAND. 


287 


in the voice of one dazed with amazement and awe. A 
courier has just arrived ; the two bearers of evil tidings 
met midway. ” 

“ Then we are safe and secure. The storm cloud has 
lifted from our path,” spoke Arnold and Valentin in one 
breath. 

“ My good Carl, come hither, ” called the Lady Pauline, 
seeing the aeronaut’s anxious face behind Hernberg. “Do 
you hear the great news ? You are free to hasten back 
and relieve the generous heart of the dear little fraulein. 
Bring her here to share in our joy and our prosperity. 
You shall have a balloon that shadl content alike your 
pride and your skill. Ah, can I realize that this joyful 
day which rose so black and frowningly has given me 
home and loved ones, and happiness and safety ?” 

“ The dangers past, the clouds dispersed, the mysteries 
explained,” echoed her husband. 

“And a happy termination to the Secrets of Schwarzen- 
berg,” quoth Von Schubert. 

(THE END.) 


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No. 42— THE HATFIELD-McCOY VENDETTA, by W. B. Lawson. 

No. 41— THE STONY POINT TRAGEDY, by A. L. Fogg. 

No. 40— THE GREAT RIVER MYSTERY, by Bartley CampbelL 
No. 39— BARNACLE BACKSTAY, by Ned Buntline. 

No. 88— ALF, THE CHICAGO SPORT, by Edward Mintum. 

No. 87— CY, THE RANGER, by Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 

No. 86-HIS HIGHEST STAKE, by Edwin S. Deane. 

No. 86-BOB SINGLETON, by David Lowry. 

No. 34-KENTUCKY KATE, by Marline Manly. 

No. 33— THE ROAD AGENTS, by Leander P. Richardson. 

No. 82-BAMON ARANDA, THE CALIFORNIA DETECTIVE, by Eugene T 
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No. 81-THE HUMAN VAMPIRE, by K. F. Hill. 

No. 30— SHADOWED AND TRAPPED ; or, Harry the Sport, by Ned Buntline. 
No. 29-THE LIGHTS O’ GOTHAM, by Ralph RoyaL 
No. 28— THE GREAT YACHT RACE, by Marline Manly. 

No. 27— JACK, THE PEEPER, by Harry Temple. 

No. 26-HUGO, THE FIGHTER, by William H. Bushnell. 

No. 26-D ARROW, THE FLOATING DETECTIVE, by Ned Buntline. 

No. 24-THE SHANGHAIER OF GREENWICH STREET, by Henry Deering. 

No. 23-PHENOMENAL PAUL, THE WIZARD PITCHER OF THE LEAGUE. b| 
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No. 22-OLD MAN HOWE, by Wm. O. Stoddard. 

No. 21— CATTLE KATE, by Lieutenant Carlton. 

No. 20-GUISEPPK THE WEASEL, by Eujrene T. Sawyer. 

No. 19-LOUISVILLE LUKE, THE JOCKEY WONDER, by Jack Howard. 

No. 18— THE OYSTER PIRATES, by Eugene T. Sawyer. 

No, 17— SILVER MASK, by Delta Calaveras. 

No. 16-THE JOHNSTOWN HERO, by Marline Manly. 

No. 16— THE GREAT CRONIN MYSTERY, by Mark Merrick, Esq. 

No. 14-DIAMOND DICK IN ARIZONA, by Delta Calaveras. 

No. 13-HABRY LOVELL, THE GENTLEMAN RIDER, by Sherwood Stanley. 
No. 12-THE MINER DETECTIVE, bv Ned Buntline. 

No. 11— THE OKLAHOMA DETECTIVE, by Old Broadbrim. 

No. 10-THE GOLD-HUNTER DETECTIVE, by Marline Manly. 

No. 9— THE IRISH JUDAS; or. The Great Conspiracy Against Parnell, by 
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No. 8— BILL TREDEGAR. A Tale of the Moonshiners, by Ned Buntline. 

No. 7— THE PINERY DEN DETECTIVE, by Mark Merrick, Esq, 

No. 6— CAPTAIN KATE, bv Leander P. Richardson. 

No. 6-THE WHITE CAP DETECTIVE, by Marline Manly. 

No. 4— JESSE, THE OUTLAW, A Story of the James Boys, by Captain JfJn 
Shackleford. 

No. 8-SEVEN PICKED ME^ by Judson R. Taylor. 

No. 2-THE KEWANEE BANK ftOBBERY, by J. E. Muslok. 

No. 1— THE WHITE CAPS, by Marline Manly. 


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No. 67 — WILLFUL WINNIE, by Harriet Sherburne 

No. 66— ADAM KENT’S CHOICE, by Humphrey Elliott 

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No. 63-BORN TO BETRAY,''by Mrs. M. V. Victor 

No. 62— A STRANGE PILGRIMAGE, by Mrs. J. H. Walworth 

No. 61— THE ILLEGAL MARRIAGE, by Hon. Evelyn Ashby 

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No. 59— WHOSE WIFE IS SHE1 by Annie Lisle 

No. 53— KILDHURM'S OAK, by Julian Hawthorne 

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No. 33— THE GIPSY’S DAUGHTER, by Bertha M. Clay 

No. 35— CECILE’S MARRIAGE by Lucy Randall Comfort 

No. 34— THE LITTLE WIDO W,, by Julia Edwards 

No. 33-THE COUNTY FAIR, by Neil Burgess 

No. 32-LADY RYHOPE’S LOVER, by Emma G. Jones 

No. 31— MARRIED FOR GOLD, by Mrs. E. Burke Collins 

No. 30— PRETTIEST OF ALL, by Julia Edwards 

No. 29— THE HEIRESS OF EGREMONT, by Mrs. Harriet Lewis 

No. 23— A HEART’S IDOL, by Bertha M. Clay 

No. 27— WINIFRED, by Mary Kyle Dallas 

No. 26— FONTELROY, by Francis A. Durivage 

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